Balkan Mountains

North of the Sofia basin, the Iskar cuts across the Balkan Mountains in a deep and winding gorge. Forested slopes give way to steep rock walls, caves and narrow stretches beside the river. Farther downstream the Cherepish Monastery stands among the cliffs, a place of worship in the mountain valley. The Iskar continues north through the foothills towards the Danube, carrying water from its sources in the Rila Mountains across the Balkan chain.