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SHIROKA LUKA – a village in the valley of river
Shirokolushka Reka, 20 km north-west of Smolyan; architectural and ethnographic
reserve. Population of 910. Settled at the time of mass conversion to
Mohammedanism of the Rhodope population during the years of Ottoman domination.
Revival town planning construction has been preserved. 90 sites have been
proclaimed monuments of culture. Many houses have been preserved, also
6 bridges and the complex of the old school "Sveti Panteleimon" (1888)
and church "Sveta Bogoroditsa" (1834). The oldest houses date back to
the beginning of 19 c. (1802, 1829). 
The houses built towards the middle of 19 c. are bigger, varied in design
by the introduction of overhanging bays and forthcoming protrusions. These
resemble fortresses – the ground floors of economic importance are built
of stone, leveled by means of wooden girdles (santrachi); topmost one
will see the residential quarters – glazed, with protruding bays, whitewashed
and framed in wood. Roofs are stone-tiled, and chimneys – of original
versatile design. Here in Shiroka Luka there is a musical school teaching
national instruments. The village is a starting point to peak Golyam Perelik.
Sgourovski Konak is a big house, typical of the Revival period, former
property of a local notable. It is named konak (town hall) because her
owner was an administrative officer. Built in 1851 – 1853 on a rocky terrain.
The house raises in height on a comparatively small ground. It bears the
peculiarities of Rhodope architecture. A museum exhibition of Rhodopean
style of life has been arranged.
The houses built towards the middle of 19 c. are bigger, varied in design
by the introduction of overhanging bays and forthcoming protrusions. These
resemble fortresses – the ground floors of economic importance are built
of stone, leveled by means of wooden girdles (santrachi); topmost one
will see the residential quarters – glazed, with protruding bays, whitewashed
and framed in wood. Roofs are stone-tiled, and chimneys – of original
versatile design. Here in Shiroka Luka there is a musical school teaching
national instruments. The village is a starting point to peak Golyam Perelik.
Sgourovski Konak is a big house, typical of the Revival period, former
property of a local notable. It is named konak (town hall) because her
owner was an administrative officer. Built in 1851 – 1853 on a rocky terrain.
The house raises in height on a comparatively small ground. It bears the
peculiarities of Rhodope architecture. A museum exhibition of Rhodopean
style of life has been arranged. 
