Description:
Located partly in Serbia and partly in Bulgaria and comprising part of the Western Balkan Mountains, Stara Planina (Old Mountain) is considered one of europe's most diverse habitats. Another name for it is the Balkan Mountain, giving birth to the name of the entire peninsula. With nature, interesting history and rich tradition, the mountain is a perfect holiday destination. Babin Zub (Granny’s Tooth) Rock is 1,758 metres above sea level and is shaped like an old tooth. It is the trademark of Stara Planina. Other sites of particular interest here are the Valley of the Bigar Stream, Midzor, its highest peak, and the meandering Temstica. The area’s nature reserves and natural monuments represent special treasures. They are home to rare and protected species. The mountain’s landscape is dominated by rich forests, grasslands and picturesque villages, nestled amongst vineyards.
Local residents are known for their traditional rug weaving. Village scenes are like a long-forgotten paradise. The region is populated by a wide variety of species, making it one of the richest mountains in the Balkans. The old mountain is home to 40 different plant species that are natural rarities protected in Serbia. Among them are: pterygoid bellflower, Picea frog grass, bushy alder, Mogu Pine, Steppe Oak, Pasqueflower, Sundews, Turk’s cap lilies, Iris pumila, pindica orchids etc. The Old Mountain is also home to a variety of
medicinal herbs. The area is home to more than 30 species of mammals, among them the European Ground Squirrel, Snow Vole, lynx and bear, as well as 203 species of
birds. This is the main habitat of the Longlegged Buzzard and Eurasian Skylark. The area is also known for its indigenous sheep, goats and cattle adapted to survive in the difficult conditions. One of the best cheeses in the world was made nearby until 15 years ago. It was known as Staroplaninski cheese or Pirotski cheese and represented one of
Serbia’s most important export products. During the 1960s this cheese was even supplied to the Washington's White House.
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