| Rhodopes | |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian: Родопи Greek: Ροδόπη Aromanian: Rodopi Turkish: Rodoplar | |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Golyam Perelik |
| Elevation | 2,191 m (7,188 ft) |
| Coordinates | 41°36′04″N 24°34′27″E / 41.60111°N 24.57417°E |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 240 km (150 mi) west-east |
| Width | 100 km (62 mi) north-south |
| Area | 14,735 km2 (5,689 sq mi) |
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The Rhodopes (/ˈrɒdəpiːz/; Bulgarian: Родопи, Rodopi; Greek: Ροδόπη, Rodopi; Turkish: Rodoplar) are a mountain range in Southeastern Europe, and the largest by area in Bulgaria, with over 83% of its area in the southern part of the country and the remainder in Greece. Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 2,191 meters (7,188 ft). The mountain range gives its name to the terrestrial ecoregion Rodope montane mixed forests that belongs in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome and the Palearctic realm. The region is particularly notable for its karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms, such as the Trigrad Gorge.
A significant part of Bulgaria's hydropower resources are located in the western areas of the range. There are a number of hydro-cascades and dams used for electricity production, irrigation, and as tourist destinations. In Greece, there are also the hydroelectric power plants of Thisavros and Platanovrysi. The Rhodopes have a rich cultural heritage including ancient Thracian sites such as Perperikon, Tatul and Belintash, and medieval castles, churches, monasteries, and picturesque villages with traditional Bulgarian architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.