It is right here, at the foot of the volcanic hill of Kozhuh, that the memorial church of "St Petka of Bulgaria", linked to the last years of Vanga's life and which has become a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people.
With Transfer from Sofia Airport to the „Rupite“ area – the „Saint Petka of Bulgaria“ Memorial Church“ you can visit one of the most interesting spiritual and natural places in Bulgaria without wasting time arranging transport after landing.
Rupite – a place with an extraordinary atmosphere
The Rupite area lies in the Struma valley, on the eastern foot of the volcanic hill Kozhuh. The landscape differs from what is typical of the Pirin region: the volcanic relief, warm mineral springs and distinctive vegetation give the feeling of a place with a unique natural character.
Kozhuh is an elevation made of volcanic rock, and its shape gave it its name: according to the popular explanation, it resembles a sheepskin coat thrown over the shoulders. Part of the area was declared a natural landmark as early as 1962.
Rupite is also known for its hot mineral springs, with a temperature of around 74–78°C. The mineral waters are one of the area's characteristic natural features and have contributed to its development as a place for spa treatment and relaxation.
The Memorial Church of "St Petka of Bulgaria"
At the heart of a visit to Rupite is the memorial church of "St Petka of Bulgaria". The church was built with funds provided by Vanga and was opened on its patron saint's day, 14 October 1994.
The church stands right next to the small house where Vanga lived in the last years of her life. It is this link between the prophetess, the church and the area itself that makes Rupite one of the most visited places for pilgrimage and spiritual tourism in the region.
The church also impresses with its artistic decoration. The murals and icons are the work of the artist Svetlin Rusev,while the woodcarvings were made by Grigor Paunov. The church's artistic appearance is unusual and departs from the traditional Orthodox canon, which is one reason the church interests art lovers as well as pilgrims.
Rupite's connection with Vanga
The name of Rupite is inseparably linked with Vangelia Gushterova – Vanga (1911–1996). The prophetess spent the last years of her life right here, and according to people close to her, she regarded the area as a place that gave her strength and energy.
The house where she lived stands right next to the church and is part of the complex now visited by people from Bulgaria and abroad.
In this way Rupite has become not just a tourist attraction but a place of special significance for people who want to connect with Vanga's story and the atmosphere of the place she was associated with in the last years of her life.
Rupite – where nature and history meet
Interest in Rupite does not end with the church. The area contains the remains of the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica, which existed from the 4th century BC to the 6th century AD. A Latin inscription from 308 AD, discovered in 2002, helped archaeologists identify the site as the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica.
The city was an important centre in the ancient region of Sintica, inhabited by the Thracian Sinti tribe. Today the archaeological complex is one of the most interesting additional sights that can be included on a route to Rupite.
In this way, within a single day, a visitor can touch several different historical periods, from antiquity to the modern history of Bulgaria.
What else is there to visit in the area?
A visit to Rupite can be combined with other interesting places in Petrich and the Pirin region.
Suitable stops on a tourist route include:
- Heraclea Sintica – one of the most significant ancient archaeological sites in the area;
- Petrich – the town with which Rupite is closely associated;
- Vanga House Museum in Petrich;
- „Samuil’s Fortress“ National Park-Museum“;
- Belasitsa and the natural attractions in the mountains;
- Melnik and the Melnik Sand Pyramids;
- The Rozhen Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary„.
This means Rupite can be included in either a short excursion or a longer route through south-western Bulgaria.
With Transfer from Sofia Airport to the „Rupite“ area – the „Saint Petka of Bulgaria“ Memorial Church“ you can travel directly from Sofia to one of the most visited spiritual and natural complexes in the Petrich area.
Rupite is about 8–10 km from Petrich, with convenient road access to the area.
A direct transfer is especially convenient for tourists arriving at Sofia Airport who want to continue to Petrich, Rupite, Melnik or other sights in south-western Bulgaria.
The route can be arranged as a standalone visit to Rupite or as part of a larger tourist programme.
A comfortable journey to Rupite with Tsenov Group
With Tsenov Group you can arrange a transfer to Rupite, tailored to your itinerary and plans for your visit. This way, your journey from Sofia Airport can become the starting point for a complete experience, encompassing spiritual, historical and natural attractions.
Rupite is a place that combines history, nature and spirituality in a way that is hard to find anywhere else in Bulgaria. The Church of Saint Petka of Bulgaria, the volcanic hill of Kozhuh, the mineral springs and the proximity to Heraclea Sintica make the area an interesting destination for anyone wishing to explore south-western Bulgaria.
