Ivaylovgrad is a leading tourist destination in the country. The abundance of natural beauty, cultural heritage and the unique location of the city makes it attractive for many and diverse groups of people. A number of cultural and sports events welcome visitors in Ivaylovgrad. Bearing it in mind, many companies focus their efforts in the development of the hotel and restaurant business.
With the restoration of the ancient Villa Armira, Ivaylovgrad Municipality received a number of awards for its contribution to the transformation of the cultural heritage of Bulgaria into a tourist destination. At the moment, this cultural heritage is decided to be certified as part of the cultural attractions as a protected site by UNESCO. The Lyutitsa Fortress is a local historic site of national importance and one of the best preserved in their original form strong holds in our lands.Located 5 km southwest of Ivaylovgrad, it is one of the best preserved Bulgarian medieval fortresses and one of the largest in the Eastern Rhodopes. It is also known by the names “Marble City” and “Citadel of Kaloyan”. The site was granted control of the local authority for a period of 10 years for activities, related to conservation and promotion.
The newly built route for accessing the castle enables the development of historical tourism in the region. Building a parking and pedestrian zone to the Marble City is to be started. According to the archaeological research conducted in 2016 activities should be taken to ensure the security and surveillance of the territory of LyutitsaMedieval Fortress.
Building amusement and entertainment facilities and art workshops for making souvenirs will attract different age groups of tourists. Ivaylovgrad Municipality plans to build places for camping and playgrounds near Ivaylovgrad dam. In Lambuh village, close to the wall of the dam, there is a huge potential for it. It is currently included in the project, waiting for its investors.
Project: Improving the conditions for access to natural, cultural and tourist sites by constructing zones for tourism and recreation in the Lambuh village,Ivaylovgrad Municipality.
Lambuh village is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, away from the noise of the city and the main road. Its proximity to Ivaylovgrad dam makes it a good choice for a tourist destination.
Project goal: Diversification and improvement of the tourism infrastructure, attractions and facilities for visitors. By building tourist sites and establishing a model forcomplex sustainable tourism product offering advertising and marketing tourist services, it is expected to create a tourist destination for ecotourism in Lambuh village.
The project provides rehabilitation of existing trails, placing information and sign posting, setting-up of lighting, building a recreation and observation of the natural resources in appropriate places (benches, trellis, bowers, a wooden shed).
Protected site “Dupkata” covers an area of 6.5 hectares and is located immediately above Ivaylovgrad and includes a landmark cave, a habitat of four species of bats included in the World Red List and protected habitat of rare orchids.
Within the territory of “Dupkata” any construction, repair, and other activities are prohibited. All elements of the area for recreation and tourism will be located outside, in full compliance with the characteristics of each property.
