Manchevo is a village in southern Bulgaria. It is located in the municipality of Momchilgrad, Kardzhali region.

It is located at less than 7 km of Momchilgrad, about 22 km of the regional centre Kardzhali, about 66 km of Haskovo and about 262 km of the capital city Sofia.

The village is situated in the Eastern Rhodopes, in an area with mountainous relief at altitude of about 647 m. The climate is temperate to Mediterranean with mild winters and hot summers. Varbitsa river passes not far away from the village. The lands around the village are suitable for cultivation, vineyards, orchards and cereals.

Here live 2 people.

Manchevo is provided with water and electricity. The close proximity to the municipal center determines its relatively good infrastructure - partly asphalted and lighted streets. The nearest police department, schools, kindergartens and health centers are in Momchilgrad.

Landmarks and tourism

There are numerous natural and cultural attractions in the area around the village.

The natural phenomenon "Petrified Forest" is located in the settlement of the village of Raven /about 7 km of Manchevo/. It was declared a protected site in the "landmark" category. It represents petrified trees and its age is about 30 million years. During the summer months "Petrified Forest" is often visited by biologists, naturalists and ecotourists.

"Borovets" reserve, situated also near the village of Raven, is one of the four reserves in the Eastern Rhodopes and is of national importance. It was declared a protected site in order to protect the easternmost natural habitat of pine. The flora is fairly well studied - pine, oak vergiliev, oak, wild pear, apple, prickly juniper and others, as well as fauna, some of which are in Bulgaria's Red Book and are protected in European and world scale.

The archaelogical landmark "Orpheus' sanctuary" is located only 11 km of Manchevo, near the village of Tatul. This is one of the most remarkable architectural discoveries of our time. The complex comrises an ancient pagan sanctuary and a medieval fortress.

An interesting landmark is the old mosque in Momchilgrad, built about 300 years ago. During these years it has always operated as a religious temple. It is the only mosque in the area with two minarets and collects hundreds of believers to pray.

In Momchilgard you can also visit a museum collection created in 1969. It is the first collection in Kardzhali Region. The museum is set in the building of "New life" community center. The museum comrises 1200 exhibits arranged in three sections: Archaeology, Ethnography and Nature.

Source: http://bg.guide-bulgaria.com   http://momchilgrad.bg/     http://bg.wikipedia.org
Photos: www.panoramio.com