LEGENDS
   In addition to the rich natural heritage, the Central Balkan National Park area abounds in historical and ethnographic treasures, and mineral springs. All these provide opportunities for various folk festivals, demonstrations of traditional rituals, local arts and crafts, and other attractions.
    The Park Directorate collaborates with local entrepreneurs from the gateway communities to develop and promote ecotourism.

The peak of Maragidik – the beautiful Mara (in Turkish) – is indeed one of the most beautiful peaks of Central Stara Planina. It remains away of the main crest, but is high (1889 m) and visible from the whole northern outskirts of the mountain East of the Beklemeto Pass.

The most fabulous legend, which the residents of Kalofer lovingly tell today is the one connected with the founder of the town in the beginning of the XVI century, the famous Kalifer Chieftain.

Krali Marko used to live in the site of Polenitsi (huge terraced meadow in the foothill of Dus Chal peak) and his sister Mara – on the peak of Maragidik.

Krali Marko used to live on Uymrkchal and his sister Mara – on Maragidik.

Krali Marko was guarding the Troyan Pass, and his sister guarded the pass after her name Mara - Maragidik. Once she had a bad dream and called her brother to tell it.

Krali Marko used to live on the peak of Uymrkchal. His throne was above the Uymrk rocks, on the small Uymrk peak. Krali Marko had corn fields on the plateaus of Uymrkchal and Duschal (the flat peak) tells another legend. He used to plough them and sow grains there.

Krali Marko grinned his corn in a wind-mill on the peak of Chuchul. The shepherds say its ruins are still there.

Krali Marko loved to sit on the sharp, conic, forested peak of Chuchul, which he used as a watch-tower. From this peak he often called his sister Mara and his voice echoed like a thunder. Once he expected his sister to visit him on the site of Marko’s trapezi (tables), she was late and he climbed on Chuchul peak and looked around for her.

Krali Marko gave up fighting the Turks when they started using fire-weapons against the Bulgarians, he did not know these weapons and they were mightier than his heavy mace.

The name of the “Tsarichina” Reserve is connected with the wonderful legend about Tzar Ivan Assen’s daughter – Tamara. Tamara was suffering from an insidious disease, which was miraculously cured with the help of the small fiery red barefoot herb flower, which today the residents of Ribaritsa call “Tsarichina”.