There is something different in the village of Plana! With its unique location between 4 mountains – Rila, Vitosha, Plana, and Verila, the place is curious with the Buddhist stupa and the photogenic chapel of St. Cyprian.
The Buddhist Stupa in the village of Plana
The village of Plana is located relatively close to Sofia, 34 km and is scattered in several neighborhoods.
Apart from the magnificent views in all directions and its fresh air, it is famous for the first Buddhist stupa built in Bulgaria, in Turmachka Mahala.
A stupa is a pyramid-shaped building widely used in the Buddhist religion.
Before reaching the stupa we wandered a bit in the forest before the neighborhood to feel the energy of the region.
Nature-alchemist had generously painted the trunks of bare trees in emerald colors, to make them colorful in winter.

Small puddles of frozen enchanting figures added a fairytale charm to the forest path.

From a small river we took out on a small scale the palace of the Snow Queen, fragile and delicate with its glass towers and loopholes.

There are many signs on the way to the stupa and you will easily find it.
Its golden peak stands out fantastically against the background of the village roofs and the surrounding mountains.
The entrance to the complex around the stupa greets us with the most famous Buddhist mantra. Each of its syllables helps to transform the disturbing feelings in our mind: pride, jealousy, desire, confusion, greed, and anger.

Stupa Sofia is the first of its kind built in Bulgaria. It symbolizes the moment of the fully awakened mind.
Stupas have a protective effect against disasters and conflicts and lead to harmony and prosperity.

The concept of the retreat center complex Plana is to create a place for meditation for people in a hurry in everyday life and to return their mental balance to this beautiful and energetic place.

It is interesting that there are eight types of stupas in the world and that they are built-in specific proportions. When the project manager saw the place, he pointed out that the Stupa of Enlightenment should be built here. It fulfills desires and brings joy and love.
Signs call for silence while visiting the site.

The Church of St. Cyprian in the village of Plana
The church of St. Cyprian is located after the end of Turmachka mahala, off the road.
It is a favorite subject of photographers because of its solitary silhouette against the majestic tree next to it and the epic views of the surrounding mountains.

The chapel was built in 2009 and looks neat and well maintained. Behind it, there is a table and benches and you can enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Saint Cyprian is a protector from evil spirits and there is indeed something magical in this place and the surrounding area, complemented by the mist that creeps around us.

What else in the village of Plana?
Near the village of Plana, there is a satellite station Plana. For horseback riding enthusiasts there are two horse bases. The church of St. George is located in the village, and the Alin Monastery of St. Spas can be reached nearby.
A route to Manastirishte peak, the highest peak of Plana mountain: here