Rhodope Village Manaстиr Blanketed in Metre-Deep Snow
A metre of snow covers the small Rodope village of Манастир, making it the snowiest inhabited place in Bulgaria, according to data from NIMH. With a permanent population of around 50 and an elevation of approximately 1500 metres in its centre, Манастиr claims to be Bulgaria’s highest inhabited place, nestled in the Rodope Mountains near peak Свобода.
As of Friday morning, the road leading to nearby town Laki was nearly impassable due to heavy snowfall. Despite efforts by Aenovgrad firefighters to clear fallen trees overnight, more continued to topple under the weight of the snow, leaving the region without electricity.
NOVA’s team was the first to reach Манастиr on December 27, braving the blizzard and using axes to clear a path through downed branches and trees. The village’s remote location and harsh winter conditions make it a challenging but breathtaking place to call home.
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