Kitnitsa is a village in Southern Bulgaria. It is part of the municipality of Ardino, Kardzhali Region.

It is situated 35 km north-east of the town of Ardino, about 35 km north-west of the regional center Kardzhali, about 82 km south-west of Haskovo and about 278 km south-east of the capital Sofia city. The village of Borovitsa is situated about 9 km south-east.

Kitnitsa is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, in an area with steep relief at an altitude of about 505 m. Arda River passes near the village. Winter is characterized as relatively mild and the summer is hot and dry. Bus transport connects it with the neighbouring villages.

The population of the village is about 90 people.

Kitnitsa is provided with electricity and water and has relativerly good infrastructure - the main streets are asphalted and lighted. There are a mosque and a grocery store here. The nearest primary school and community center are located in the village of Borovitsa and the nearest secondary school and kindergarten are in Ardino.

Medical care can be obtained again in the village of Borovitsa. There are one GP and one dentist. The nearest multiprofile hospital is in Ardino.

LANDMARKS AND TOURISM

Every year in the weekend of July's second week is held Kitnitsa's traditional fair which gatheres people form the neighbouring villages. The fest begins with a mevlid and continues with chess tournament, athletics and struggles.

The village is located on the banks of Kardzhali Dam which is of interest to fans of water sports. During the summer it is a wonderful place to relax in the nature. Fishing here is quite well developed as the dam offers a great assortment of fish - carp, catfish, tolostolob, zander, perch, commonrudd and other kinds.

The Ring - an amazing rock phenomenon that reveals a splendid view of the dam and the surrounding hills, is located not far from the Kardzhali dam.

About 17 km south-west of Kitnitsa, The Krivus fortress can be visited. The fortress was built in the X century to protect the area around the Arda River in the Eastern Rhodopes. Exceptionally interesting are the remains of fortifying walls, reaching up to 5 meters, as well as the towers, the entrance of the fortress and the ruins of an ancient church, built in the center of the fortress.

Close to The Krivus fortress, on a rocky peninsula on the left bank of the River Borovitsa is situated the Fortress of Patmos, also dating from the X century. The western wall of the fortress, which is best preserved, is of greatest interest to the tourists . After a series of archaeological studies, in the fortress were found the remains of a basilica and tower.

Source: Mirela, www.bg.guide-bulgaria.com, http://www.kardjalipress.com
Photos: www.panoramio.com, Internet