Situated on the southern slopes of the Stara Planina mountain range, the picturesque village of Osoitsa stands as a testament to history, nature, and culture intertwined. To the west lies the neighboring village of Negushevo, while to the east rests Sarantsi. Flowing gently through this quaint hamlet are the rivers Balaklia and Dobrá Reka, adding a serene touch to the rugged terrain.
A Village Etched in History
Roots of Migration and Settlement
A significant portion of Osoitsa’s population descends from refugees hailing from Macedonia. Settlers also arrived from nearby villages, such as Churek, Gorno Kamartsi, and Sturgel. This cultural blend has left an indelible mark on the village’s identity.
Unearthing the Ancient Past
In the area of Mari Moma, the construction of a chapel uncovered a trove of historical artifacts: copper coins from Roman and Byzantine eras, fragments of pottery, human bones, and large, finely hewn stones. The site itself is a natural fortress—a rocky promontory flanked by nearly vertical cliffs, some towering 15–20 meters high, encircled by a meandering river. These findings, along with nearby Thracian burial mounds, strongly suggest that an ancient settlement once thrived here.
Further historical intrigue surrounds an ancient road that once traversed the village. After passing through Mari Moma, this path ascended the slopes of Stara Planina, eventually leading to the Vitinya Pass. Oral history from elderly villagers recounts that Osoitsa was predominantly inhabited by Turks who performed dervent duties—guarding and escorting travelers along this critical route.
Whispers of Unrecorded History
Local lore hints at darker secrets. During the construction of the village’s combined store and tavern, human remains were allegedly discovered. Yet, in a rush to complete the project, archaeologists were never informed, leaving this chapter shrouded in mystery and undocumented.
Cultural and Natural Landmarks
Osoitsa boasts an array of cultural and natural sites that captivate visitors and locals alike:
Natural Marvels
- Lyga, Manastircheto, Lilyaka, Prekrusta, Gadzhovitsa, and Usoeto: Scenic areas perfect for exploration.
- Thracian burial mounds in Dolna and Gorna Babakevitsa evoke the village’s ancient heritage.
Cultural Highlights
- A monument honoring villagers who perished in the Balkan and First World Wars, located at the village entrance.
- The village church and a stone school—an architectural marvel completed in 1930.
- A house museum in Sredselo, showcasing artifacts collected by the wealthy émigré Stoian Todorov, a native of Osoitsa who settled in Vienna.
Sacred Sites
- The Chapel of St. Ascension in Manastircheto.
- The Chapel of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Mari Moma.
Rustic Retreats
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Papratina Hunting Lodge, situated in the Papratina area, provides a tranquil escape.
A Land of Abundance
With 12,000 decares of forest and 6,000 decares of arable land, Osoitsa offers both lush greenery and fertile fields. This balance of natural beauty and agricultural potential underscores the village’s enduring vitality.
