The residents of the Bulgarian capital Sofia are quite privileged because the city is surrounded by mountains, thanks to which one can go to nature at any time and combine the fresh air and greenery with an exploration of Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.
The Lyulin Mountain, close to Sofia, abounds in routes that lead to monastery complexes, stone crosses and chapels hidden in the forest. A great destination for a pleasant weekend walk in nature is the small chapel "All Saints" above Sofia's Suhodol district. One can reach it after a 40-minute walk along a well-marked path connecting the picturesque Bonsovo meadows with the village of Malo Buchino. The chapel, built on the Mount Athos model, has a small shelter, a kitchen and a fountain. The bubbling waters of a small river meander past it.
You can learn more about the hidden treasures of Lyulin Mountain in Radio Bulgaria’s publication A trip to Lyulin Mountain – far from busy life and alone with nature.
Compiled by Veneta Nikolova
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