Rozhen monastery, set in a remote location, is austere and unadorned compared to Rila. It has a very special version of the judgment day frescoes which are common in Bulgaria : the righteous are climbing a ladder, assisted by angels, while the sinners who are attempting the ascent are grabbed by demons and tossed into the mouth of a monstrous red snake (see the last picture of the second index).
Delchevo is a tiny village, not far from Gotse Delchev. It is perched up in the mountains, south of town. The road leading there winds so much that it takes a long while to reach the place. It is very authentic and not at all touristy, but it lacks the beauty of some other villages, like for instance Kovachevitsa.
Dolen, east of Gotse Delchev on the road towards Dospat, is another quiet village with friendly inhabitants. It has a mixed Christian and Pomak population. The houses are lovely and the whole place has a serene laid-back atmosphere.