Gela: Hotels and Accommodations

Gela is located in the Perelik section of the Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of just under 1,500 meters. The village lies at the foot of Golyam Perelik, Orpheus Peak, and Turlata Peak.

You may want to book a hotel for a stay in Gela.

Culture and History

There are four active chapels outside the village: Ascension, St George, St Marina, and the Twelve Apostles. The village is also home to the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1910 next to the remains of an early Christian monastery. This monastery was destroyed by fire in 1540.

The early Christian basilica of Gela was part of a large Christian complex that emerged at the beginning of the 5th century during the Christianization of the Bessi. According to local tradition, Gela is also considered the birthplace of Orpheus. About five kilometers from Gela, you can visit the ancient Thracian fortress of Gradishte.

The Ilinden gathering in Gela has historical roots in family gatherings near the St. Elias Chapel. These include spit-roasted meat, bagpipe music, dancing, and informal bagpipe competitions. The event takes place on the first Sunday in August in the Ilinden meadows above Gela.

Nature and Regional Cuisine

Gela is surrounded by meadows and forests where wild fruits and herbs grow. The area around Gela is suitable for hiking. Rhodope rural tourism includes dishes such as patatnik, cheverme, and Smilyan beans.

Geographical Setting

The route to Gela via Narechenski Bani, Hvoyna, Chepelare, and Shiroka Laka ends with a four-kilometer section of poorer road quality.

Further destinations: Smolyan, Chepelare, Pamporovo.

To the main travel overview: Smolyan Province.