Rayovo

The village of Rayovo with population 1019 inhabitants (2001) is a part of Samokov municipality. It is situated on the two banks of Palakaria river, which flows into Iskar Dam, on an altitude of 800 m above sea level in the southern slopes of Plana mountain. The Village of Rajovo is located in the western part of the Samokov valley and is 8 km northwest from Samokov and 68 km southeast from the capital of Sofia. There is regular bus connection with Samokov. The climate is temperate continental. The soils are alluvial. Potatoes, flax, hops, oats are cultivated in the region.The stock-breeding is also good developed(sheep, cattle). Most of the village inhabitants work in Samokov or Borovets. A borrowing society exists since 1905 with the name “Zemedelets”(Farmer). A primary school dates from 1879 with first teacher G. Vasov and the Junior high school was established in 1922. The culture-center “Hristo Botev” dates from 1926 and the village church “Saint Nikola” was built in 1878. 10 km away in Plana mountain is a medieval monastery “Saint Spas” with precious wallpaintngs from the 17-th century.15 km away in the west direction is situated Belchinski bani, a well known spa resort for bone and joint diseases.From all parts of the village you could enjoy a magnificent view to the huge peaks of East-, Middle – and Northwest Rila.