Nestled in the folds of the Rila Mountains, amidst ancient coniferous forests, lies the resort village of Panichishte. Near this serene locale, you will find the Rila’s lowest glacial lake, the Dry Lake. The area, peppered with numerous rest bases, lodges, and hotels, is often regarded as one of the most welcoming gateways to the heart of the Rila Mountains.
In this constructed village, the “Panichishte” Visitor Center at the Rila National Park was established with the mission to showcase the rich diversity of plant and animal species found in Rila. It is devoted to conducting various educational and conservation programs aimed at preserving the natural environment, thereby supporting tourists who use the village as a starting point for journeys to numerous huts, including the famed Rila Lakes.
In 2006, by the initiative of the few permanent residents of the Rila area, an Orthodox church was built and consecrated, dedicated to the Assumption of the Patron Saint of the Bulgarian people and the abbot of the Rila Monastery – Saint John of Rila, the miraculous hermit.
