Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 62 328; Dicho Petrov 7; admission 5 lv; 9am-noon & 1.30-5pm Tue-Sun)
The gal-
lery boasts some 1800 paintings, sketches and sculptures by local, national and foreign
artists.
Planetarium
( 83 074; bul Bulgaria 20; admission 5 lv)
Bulgaria's biggest planetarium, about 200m
west of Hotel Smolyan, offers a spectacular show (35 to 40 minutes) with commentary in
English, French or German at 2pm from Monday to Saturday, and in Bulgarian at other
times. The foreign-language shows are for groups of five or more; otherwise, you'll pay
25 lv for a solo viewing.
PLANETARIUM
SMOLYAN'S MYSTERIOUS CAVES
In ancient times, the road to hell was paved with water; so, too, in today's Bulgaria. Although not exactly replicating
the voyage to Hades along the River Styx, the journey into the recently discovered
Golubovitsa Cave
is a thrilling
and similarly aquatic one. Located 3km south of Uhlovitsa Cave, off the road between Smolyan and Mogilitsa, the
cave is accessible by boat, as the first 25m or so is completely underwater. After that, you walk, accompanied by a
lantern and a guide. For daredevils, there's even a way down by rope.
The more established
Uhlovitsa Cave
(admission 4 lv; 10am-4pm daily summer, Wed-Sun winter)
, about
3km northeast of Mogilitsa, boasts numerous waterfalls (most spectacular in winter) and some bizarre formations,
but it requires private transport; check with the Smolyan Tourist Information Center for more details.
Sleeping
The tourist office finds private rooms (about 20 lv per person).
Hotel Kiparis A $$
( 64 040;
www.hotelkiparis.eu
;
bul Bulgaria 3a; s/d/apt incl breakfast 50/75/110 lv;
)
This comfortable hotel with an excellent spa centre has plush and light-toned rooms,
plus all mod cons.
HOTEL
Three Fir Trees House $
PENSION
