About the Society

The Tourist Society "Krepostta - Mogilitsa" is based in the village of Mogilitsa (ul. Ilinden 21), in the eastern part of the Western Rhodopes, 26 km south of Smolyan, at 960 metres above sea level. It was founded in 1965 by a group of young people from the village who wanted to organise hikes and excursions, and it took its name from a fortress called Krepostta (The Fortress) a few kilometres west of the village. Its first chairman was Mincho Hadjiev, one of the founders.

The village and its valley are far older than the society. Mogilitsa takes its name from the Bulgarian word for a mound or little hill, and in earlier times it was known as Tozburun, which translates as "dusty mound". One of the main and most direct roads linking Thrace with the Aegean once ran through this high country. The fortress that gives the society its name, a few kilometres from the village, is a reminder that people have lived, farmed and defended these mountains for thousands of years.

In its early years the society organised mountain treks to peaks including Kom, Ardin Peak, Kiselchovo, Manolev Peak, Perelik and Mechi Chal, and as far as Pamporovo, and ran a guest accommodation base. Later chairmen were Boycho Hadjiev, Slav Bashov and Velko Lovchaliev. The society ceased to operate after 1989 and was revived by another group of young enthusiasts in 2017.

Today it works to develop the area around Mogilitsa and the Upper Arda region, to introduce people to its natural and historical heritage, and to preserve the traditions, folklore and culture of the Upper Arda valley. Its activities include a set of mountain routes, one-day programs and organised excursions, and the guiding and reception of visitors.