REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM – PLOVDIV

is pleased to invite you to the photographic exhibition

THE VILLAGE GOSTUŠA IN STARA PLANINA

author: Elena Vasić Petrović
courtesy of Foundation “Balkan Heritage”

“Gostuša”, also known as “stone settlement” is located in South-east of Serbia in the area of the Nature Park “Stara planina”, and it represents a unique mountain village, also enlisted as a national cultural property. The village was almost abandoned in the 1970’s, and after almost four decades the only logical solution seemed to be “going back to the origins”. The peaceful coexistence of man and nature brought back to life the values that were forgotten for decades, and the thought that this simple symbiosis can ensure sustainability for the future. 

In order to protect the natural and cultural heritage, and the unique environment, but also the intangible heritage many actions were undertaken by the Serbian authorities. The inherent values of the natural materials and manmade structures, together with the plenty of natural resources, but also the vicinity of the larger settlements, the lake, ski-center, etc. makes this place so special in every possible way.

The specific functional and architectural concept of the village is very interesting. It consists of the residential area placed in a narrow canyon of two small mountain rivers, and satellite settlements that create the network of small independent units at a distance of 300 to 500 meters in relation to the central settlement, and all together constitute a unique living organism, changing in function together with the change of seasons.

Architecture of residential and economy units is always adapted to the terrain and the natural resources. Stone dominates as a building material, and it is used widely from the foundation to the top and the roofing. The new concept of the tourism in the rural areas gives so many different possibilities for sustainable development especially in places like this. Preserving the built heritage is one of the ways that ensures the better quality of the touristic offer of the region as well as its authenticity together with all the other values.

You are welcome to the official opening of the exhibition on June 2nd 2016 in 18:00 at the large hall of Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv. The opening ceremony will feature the author of the exhibition Elena Vasić Petrović. The exhibition will be on display until the end of June.