The town of Smolyan is famous for its history. During the Ottoman rule, the local people were subject of pursuit to change their belief and just a few of them survived in the mountain. There are numerous interesting historical monuments preserved in this cozy town. There are several preserved houses from the National Revival period - such are Mermovata, Pridasova and some others. The arc bridge (Beiska kupria) over Cherna River (the Black River) was built in the 18th century. The natural reserve "Chinarat" is a 250 year old three. Smolyan is surrounded by numerous interesting sites, that worth to be visited. Smolynski lakes are protected area with splendid landscape- mountain lakes with coniferous forest, varied marsh plant life. They are known as the "emerald eyes of the Rodope Mountains."