Smolyan, Bulgaria

Smolyan is a municipality in Bulgaria, situated in the central part of the Rhodope Mountains upon a territory of 879 sq. m, 67% of which are covered with age-old coniferous forests. The Town of Smolyan (altitude above sea level between 800 and 1000 m) occupies the larger part of the valley extension of the Cherna River, known as the Smolyan Hollow. The town is surrounded with green meadows and age-old forests. The three large districts - Smolyan, Raikovo and Oustovo - are situated along the two river banks in the west-east direction. The mountain town combines modern construction with traditional Rhodope architecture.

The municipality is 90 km away from Plovdiv. It borders the Republic of Greece to the south, the municipalities of Roudozem, Madan and Banite to the east, the Laki and Chepelare municipalities to the north and Devin to the west.