Kresna

Kresna

Kresna is a town and municipality in the south-western part of Bulgaria, in the province of Blagoevgrad. The archaeological finds show that the area has been populated since ancient times. The Kresna municipality occupies part of the Struma River valley with the picturesque Kresna Gorge, the western branch of the Pirin and the north-eastern slopes of the Maleshev Mountains. The area's uniqueness and natural beauty make it a very attractive place to visit. The Kresna Gorge stretches for about 18 km. The gorge was formed by the Struma River, which originates in the Vitosha Mountains. The Kresna Gorge is a biodiversity rich area, which is under pressure from the construction of the new section of the Trans-European Corridor No. 4, the Struma motorway. The Tisata Nature Reserve, which is home to several important Mediterranean plant and bird species, is bisected by the southern part of the gorge. 31 reptile species, 75 mammal species and 232 bird species live in this relatively small gorge. The gorge is a Natura 2000 site, which indicates its importance for the conservation of endangered species. Certain species of birds, like cormorants, do not nest or breed in the gorge, but use its resources as part of longer migration routes and passages. The natural resources provided by the gorge are vital and serve as a major resting place for endangered and rare species such as the Egyptian Vulture.