The landscape of Rupite is dominated by the eminence of Kozhuh (
кожух, "fur coat," taking its name from its shape) to the west. Although it is only 281 m high, it rises prominently from the flat Petrich Plain. The eminence, which is part of the outskirts of an extinct
volcano, consists of three small summits, of which the middle one is the highest.
Volcanic rocks and rock pyramids can be observed at the foot of Kozhuh. The climate in the locality is transitional between
continental and
Mediterranean, featuring hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. The natural vegetation consists mainly of
white poplar (
Populus alba), and there are 13 plant species
endangered in Bulgaria. Almost all of the
snake species observed in the country can be found in Rupite, including the
European cat snake (
Telescopus fallax), as well as four species of
tortoises. A total of 201 bird species inhabit the area. Via Aristotelis, which passes nearby, is one of the two main bird migration routes through Bulgaria. Some bird species include the
olive-tree warbler (
Hippolais olivetorum),
masked shrike (
Lanius nubicus), and
lesser grey shrike (
Lanius minor). The
pygmy cormorant (
Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) winters in the area. Because of its volcanic origin and the abundance of rare species of both
flora and
fauna, Kozhuh is a proclaimed natural landmark since 1962. A 0.4-hectare protected area is located about 2 km from the village of Rupite at the eastern foot of Kozhuh. Rupite is also famous for its healing mineral springs with a temperature of 71-78 °C and an average discharge of 35
L/
s. == History ==