Pepelina is a small village away from the commotion of everyday life. 

Not very far from civilization, Pepelina is hidden in the striking rock canoyn following the curves of The Cherni Lom River which perhaps contributes for the unique atmosphere of peace and serenity of the place.

Suggestions of the origin of the name of Pepelina vary, some romantic, some quite ordinary.

 Years ago when I first visited the village, I heard the legend about the beautiful girl named Pepelina. She was the daughter of the local ruler and was famous for her stunning beauty.  The father was really worried at the time of the Turkish invasion in our lands. He would never allow anything to happen to his favorite girl. He gave his orders for a cave to be hewn into the rocks so that Pepelina could stay in it, far from the savage invaders. Stone staircase led high above into the cave. Unfortunately the story wasn’t meant to have a happy end. Nature works in mysterious ways. Natural disaster demolished the entrance to the cave and the girl was buried forever into her shelter. 

Today, the old people in the village tell this story which they have learned from their grandparents. They remember the stairs were still there when they were kids. Now only the entrance to the cave can still be seen – a square opening high above in the rocks reminding us of the beautiful Pepelina.