in the heart of the Central Stara Planina lies the small yet enchanting village of Divchovoto. Cradled by the Teteven Balkan, it marks the gateway to the Central Balkan National Park and the renowned Boatin Reserve. A place where nature whispers stories of old, and the hills seem alive with the echoes of history.
A Glimpse into the Past
Echoes of Revolution and Struggle
Before 1878, the village witnessed the footfalls of history – the legendary Panayot Hitov’s rebels and Georgi Benkovski’s band passed through here. Their path, winding and defiant, led them to the Kostina locality near the village of Ribaritsa. It was there that fate struck mercilessly: Benkovski fell into a Turkish ambush and met his tragic end.
From Shepherd’s Hamlet to Thriving Settlement
Up until Bulgaria’s Liberation in 1878, Divchovoto was little more than a humble cluster of sheepfolds belonging to the neighboring village of Cherni Vit. But with liberation came transformation. Wealthy Teteven merchants, drawn by the serenity of these wild lands, erected houses and began raising vast flocks of sheep.
Legend tells of a royal visit that sealed the village’s name into eternity. It is said that during a walk through the Teteven region, Tsar Boris himself was so captivated by the untamed beauty of the area that he exclaimed, “How wild and magnificent it is here!” Thus, the name Divchovoto (derived from “divo,” meaning wild) was born, an eternal tribute to its pristine charm.
Cultural and Natural Marvels
Monuments and Pilgrimage
In the village of Divchovoto stands a monument dedicated to the revolutionary leader Panayot Hitov. Not far away, the marked trail of Benkovski runs like a vein through the landscape, guiding pilgrims and adventurers alike.
Each year, on May 24-25, hiking groups from across Bulgaria embark on this historic route. Their journey culminates at the Kostina locality, where, on May 25, the nation commemorates the death of Georgi Benkovski – a poignant reminder of sacrifice and valor. Visitors from foreign lands, too, tread this path, mesmerized by the blend of history and natural beauty.
The Boatin Reserve: A Sanctuary of Life
A mere 5 kilometers from Divchovoto lies the entrance to the Boatin Reserve, a natural treasure declared a biosphere reserve in 1948. This pristine sanctuary exists to protect one of Bulgaria’s rarest natural wonders—the ancient white beech forests. Towering and eternal, these giants dominate the landscape, offering shelter and life to countless species.
But Boatin is more than a forest. Hidden within its embrace lies a miraculous phenomenon: the abundance of lung lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria). Combined with the ozone-rich air of the centuries-old beech groves, this rare ecosystem provides immense relief for those suffering from asthma and respiratory ailments. A breath here is more than air—it is a cure, a sip of nature’s unmatched elixir.
Divchovoto: Where Time Stands Still
Divchovoto is not merely a village; it is a living tale, etched into the mountains, whispered through the leaves, and immortalized by its legends. It is a place where history mingles with wilderness, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
Whether you walk the revolutionary trails, gaze up at the eternal white beeches, or inhale the healing air of the Boatin Reserve, Divchovoto will capture your soul. Wild. Beautiful. Unforgettable.
