Mandritsa and Dolno Lukovo

These are name of authentic villages in the area of Ivaylovgrad.

Dolno Lukovo village is located just few km away from the border with Greece in the very south part of Ivaylovgrad region. The village ressembles architectural reserve with the well preserved stone houses, and typical silkworm houses. The local population numbers 110 inhabitants all of them breeding sesame and tobacco. The locals are proud keeping alive the 200 years old church in the Eastern Rhodopes mountains “St. St. Constantin and Helen”, built in 1806. The church features with its interesting construction story, as well as with the wood-carved iconostasis elaborated in the 19th  century. The key for the church is kept by the mayor of the village. The one and only strawberry tree (Arbutus Andrahne) in Bulgaria grows in the village of Dolno lukovo right in front of the Mayor-hall.

The very interesting village of Mandritsa is like an outdoor museum. At a distance of around 20 kilometres away from Ivaylovgrad it is a completely different world you fall into. Mandritsa was founded by Albanian people and the houses are built mostly out of clay.

Both villages are almost abandoned but there is more than enough to see. Some people describe Mandritsa as an ‘outdoor museum’ and the village is definitely worth a visit! The one and only house for breeding silk-worms can be visited in the village of Mandritsa.

When there is interest for having some guidance you can hire a local guide. Please contact the reception of the hotel Luxor for this.