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The Rhodope village of Gela is 6 km from Shirka Laka and 19 km from the resort of Pamporovo. There is a great view of Mount Perelik revealing from it. The village emerged during the Thracians period, as evidenced by the ruins of the Thracian fortress in the area of Gradishte and thereis also legend which states that this is the birthplace of the mythical Orpheus. Another legend says that Patriarch Euthymius is buried in the local monastery which is based on the grave found with the head of an orthodox church, a scepter with two snake heads and gold necklace - insignia of the patriarchs. The monastery was destroyed in the 17th century and these places were deserted for centuries. Today the old Holy Trinity Church is located at the place of the monastery; it was built in the early 20th century. The local population has kept their Christian faith, and there are two churches and four chapels here, as one of the mandatory places to visit is the Church of St. Mary where there is a unique iconostasis that is believed to be the work of students of Zachary Zograf. Gela is an attractive place for tourism and recreation in the Rhodope Mountains, thanks to its location, area attractions, and its climate which is considered to be good and healing for lung diseases. The only thing that interrupts the silence is the cattle bells and the playing of the bagpipes which is popular in this area. Every year there is a contest of bagpipe playing and the local master bagpipers are renowned virtuosos. For mountain lovers there are opportunities for tours by bicycle or motorbike along previously studied routes and there is trout, carp and perch swimming in the rivers around. Fishing and water sports are possible in the Dospat Dam, that can be reached along a marked trail, with gazebos, recreation areas and fountains, passing along various natural phenomena such as Slonat, the cave of Yagodinska and the Buynovsko Gorge. The area offers curative herbs and grasses and mushroom pickers may take advantage of the many and delicious mushrooms here. The mounts of Golyam and Malak Perelik are near Gela, as well as Shilesta Chuka, Orpheus, Chaeva Chuka, and the chalets of Lednitsata Perelik and the cave of Lednitsata. In winter there are good opportunities for skiing, thanks to the proximity of the village to Pamporovo and Chepelare. For their comfortable stay, the guests of the village may choose one of the comfortable hotels in Gela or the lovely guest houses and villas perched picturesquely in the surrounding hills.