Zlatolist is a village situated in South-western Bulgaria. It is part of Sandanski Municipality, Blagoevrgad region.

There is another village in Bulgaria with the same name. It is located in Krumovgrad Municipality, Kardzhali region.

Zlatolist is 94 km south-east from town of Blagoevgrad, 34 km in the same direction from town of Sandanski, 49 km south-west from town of Gotse Delchev, 17 km north-east from the Bulgarian-Greek border at village of Kulata and 30 km north-east from town of Petrich.

The village could be reached from village of Katuntsi, which is just 5 km in southern direction. The road is not asphalted in some areas. There is an eco path from town of Melnik to the village, which goes to the Rozhen Monastery as well.

Its population is about 10 people.

Zlatolist spreads out the Sandansko-Petrichka valley in south-western Pirin Mountain, at 376 m above sea level. The relief is hilly and features beautiful sand pyramids resembling the pyramids in Melnik.

The climate is healthy and is part of the transitional-Mediterranean zone - mild winter and hot summer.

The village is provided with electricity and water. The mayor of the neighbouring village of Katuntsi manages Zlatolist as well. There are medical services and education centres in Katuntsi.

The main means of living is agriculture. Years ago the population used to grow tobacco. The tobacco growing is the reason for Zlatolist's name - 'golden leaf' in English.

The natural conditions in the region are favourable for perennial trees growing (mainly vineyards, industrial crops) and stock-breeding.

Landmarks

In northern direction from the village are located the Melnishki sand pyramids (13 km away). There are chestnut-tree and pine-tree forests next to the settlement. In the northern part live century-old plane-trees.

At the old square of Zlatolist could be seen the Melnik style houses from the Bulgarian Revival. 11 of them are monuments of culture. The village used to have 7 churches.

In the northern part of the village is located the church of St George Victorious - monument of culture. The temple was built in 1857 deep down in the ground. In the middle of the church below the dome is situated a marble slate with two-head eagle - symbol of the patriarchate of Tsarigrad. There is a legend that the slate is with healthy emanation when someone steps on it. During the last 90's the church was renovated. There is a monastery complex around it.

In the beginning of the last century the prophet Reverend Stoyna used to live in the church. She was a nun who used to prophesy and help the people. She is claimed to be the predecessor of the famous prophet Baba Vanga. Reverend Stoyna's cell is well-preserved in the women department. There is a memory monument at her grave in the yard of the church.

Fair takes place every year on 6 September.

Internet sources: www.wikipedia.org
Pictures: www.panoramio.com, Internet