The Stob Pyramids: Shapes and Views
The Stob Pyramids are a designated natural landmark in the village of Stob, in the Municipality of Kocherinovo. The formations are 30 to 40 metres thick, usually 6 to 10 metres high, and reach 12 metres in some places. Sharp, needle-like, pyramidal and conical shapes alternate; some are topped with stone slabs that resemble giant mushrooms. These varied silhouettes are what make the rock formations such a striking sight.
From the summit of the Stob Pyramids, views extend to the Rila Plain, the river, the approaches to Rila Monastery and snow-capped mountain peaks. The striking rock formations and the view are two sides of this natural landmark: you can admire the individual contours while also taking in the surrounding landscape.
Walking among the Pyramids
Visitors can see the Stob Pyramids from a purpose-built eco-trail or from a maintained cart track that follows a small stream at the foot of the formations. The two options offer different perspectives: the eco-trail leads to a view of the formations, while the cart track runs alongside the water. From Kocherinovo, follow the main road towards Rila Monastery; turn right for Stob. The walk from the entrance to the eco-trail is approximately one kilometre.
The Stob Tourist Information Centre offers guides and free brochures in Bulgarian, English, German and Chinese. The road network also provides access across the municipality: it is served by the E79, Road III-107 towards Rila and Rila Monastery, and the Struma Motorway; a motorway interchange serves the municipal centre.
Traces of History in the Municipality
Historic sites range from archaeological finds to 19th-century churches. Twelve Thracian burial mounds have been identified in the municipality; excavations took place in the vicinity of Kocherinovo and Dragodan. The Roman archaeological site near Porominovo includes an inscription to the god Sabazios and the foundations of stone columns. Markova Skala is a rock sanctuary on the left bank of the Struma, above the Kocherinovo Gorge.
The Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa in Kocherinovo dates from 1863, while the Church of Sv. Prokopiy in Stob was built in 1860. More recent history includes the former Rila narrow-gauge railway: it was 40 kilometres long, built in 1920 for the Balabanov factory, later carried passengers, and was closed in 1960. These religious buildings and a historic transport link stand alongside the older archaeological traces.
Wine, Cuisine and Protected Areas
Villa Montevino in Kocherinovo combines wine tastings with a restaurant serving dishes made from local traditional products. A wine experience includes five wines, explanations of the production methods, and a route through the vineyards and winery. Local cheeses, sausages and freshly baked bread are also served. At Felice Park, the villa offers outdoor or under-the-stars picnics with wine. Wine and regional cuisine take centre stage here, while the Stob Pyramids and archaeological sites reveal other sides of the municipality.
Villa Montevino has two parking areas and charging points for electric vehicles. As facilities may change, check their status before travelling. The municipality's natural areas also include the protected areas of Skrino, Kocherinovo and Boboshevo, which encompass habitats, wild-growing flora and the protection of wild birds.
Discover more places: Barakovo, Kocherinovo, Stob
Discover more destinations: Treklyano, Boboshevo, Kyustendil, Rila
View the regional travel overview: Kyustendil Province.
