Podgore is a village in northwestern Bulgaria. It is located in Makresh municipality, Vidin District.

The village lies at the foot of Stara Planina Mountain, near the Bulgarian-Serbian border, about 15 km west of Makresh village, 46 km southwest of Vidin city and approximately 190 km northwest of the capital Sofia.

The name of the village speaks of its location. It is situated in a hollow, which protects it from strong winds in the winter. Around there are beech and oak forests. The terrain is hilly and the average altitude is 373 meters. The climate is characterized by relatively cold winters and hot summers with little rainfall.

The village has electricity and water. There is coverage of all mobile operators and regular buses to the town of Vidin and the villages in the area.

Podgore's population is about 220 people. The village has a town hall, an orthodox church and a store. In the neighboring village of Rakovica, which is only 3 km northwest, a primary school, kindergarten, community center, and a doctor and a dentist. Special assistance can be obtained at the medical center of Vidin.

Landmarks and tourism

Podgore is a small village with great opportunities for rural tourism development. In the surrounding area there is a small lake with the same name but a few kilometers southeast is the Rabisha Lake - the largest inland lake in the country, which is suitable for fishing and water sports.

In the region you can also visit:

Rakovitsa monastery "Holy Trinity", which is located 7 km northwest. Founded in 10-11 century, after the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule it declined. The monastery was restored in the 17th century by St. Pimen of Sofia. In the late 18th century, it was destroyed. Currently is restored and is standing.

Magura cave, located about 15 km southeast of the village. The cave is one of the most beautiful in the country, one of the hundred national tourist sites.

Belogradchik Rocks - probably the most famous rock formations in Bulgaria, also part of the hundred national tourist sites. They are located less than 30 km southeast of Podgore.

Sources: http://bg.wikipedia.org/, Mirela, internet.
Photos: http://www.vidin-online.com/, http://www.panoramio.com/, internet.