Bridge over a beautiful colorful river Panega

The area where the Panega ecopath in Northwestern Bulgaria has been built has been attracting people since ancient times. At the beginning of the last century, archaeological excavations were carried out here, which found evidence of the existence of a Roman sanctuary. At the end of the spring, a votive tablet was found, depicting the god of medicine Asclepius with his daughter, Hygia, and his son, the god Telescope. People believed that the water of the Panega River was curative, and the god Asclepius lived in it, helping the sick who sank into the water or drink it. The beautiful nature and the mild climate, in addition to the healing spring, made the place suitable for building a sanctuary and a health center. People from different areas came here in the hope of curing their illnesses. In honor of Asclepius, grateful pilgrims threw coins into the water. This custom has remained to this day. It is still believed that Panega's water is healing and holy.
The color of the water in the two lakes is remarkable - because of the dissolved calcium carbonate it has acquired a tender blue-green color. That's why local people call the spring "Blue".