Bansko – Gate to the majestic Pirin Mountains
Situated in the foothills of proud Vihren peak where the edelweiss grows and wild goats roam. This is the start of the largest protected territory in Bulgaria, included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage. Today’s town has a clearly marked National Revival centre with some 150 preserved houses and cultic buildings. A 30-metre belfry and clock tower, which measures the time of history, rises above them. The Bansko fortified house is a genuine architectural phenomenon. It is solidly built of stone and wood, with high walls and embrasures, iron-studded doors, hideouts and small latticed windows.
Bansko is Bulgaria’s ski center with a long, sunny winter, lasting snow cover, ski season from December through May, three ski centers with excellent ski pistes and equipment.
If hitting the slopes isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of other activities to keep you engaged! Apart from playing lots of boardgames, one popular pastime is to visit the hot springs of Banya, where there are several pools available to soak in the natural thermal waters. If you arrive in early winter, it’s also possible to go hiking or later in the season snow shoeing. Making a pilgrimage to Rila Monastery, the sacred site, is highly recommended. Or, you can treat yourself to spa services at one of the many hotels in the area to combat the harsh effects of winter on your skin.
Bansko’s inhabitants, having grown up in the harsh Pirin mountain surroundings, have gentle souls and skilled hands. Their philosophy, imagination and talent produced the Bansko School of art, which has a deserving place in Bulgarian art. The Holy Trinity church and the Ascension of the Blessed Virgin church contain exquisite carved altars and icons, made by the school’s founder Toma Vishanov and his successors.
What to see
Holy Trinity Church, Bansko
Gondola lift, Bansko
If you are a lover of mountains and nature, you have the opportunity to take the lift and enjoy a 25-minute walk with lift in the vast Pirin Mountains. Regardless of the season, the mountain reveals breathtaking views. It is the second longest lift in Bulgaria with its 6233 meters. The capacity of the lift is 2000 people per hour.
The nameless city
One site deserves special attention – the so-called “Nameless City”, discovered in the last few years. Of great interest are the open skeletons measuring 1.80-2.00 m, the impressive height suggests that the area was inhabited by the Thracian tribe Dai. Extremely interesting place that brings inexplicable energy. Except from its immense beauty, Bulgaria attracts and impresses with the many places with energy points that it has.
Mall Bansko
Mall Bansko is a preferred destination for both tourists and locals. In addition to shops, it also offers various entertainment for children and adults. A well-known and preferred area is the restaurant, which reveals an amazing panoramic view of the resort, which impresses visitors both in summer and in winter. The building has a ground floor and four floors, with shops of different types and different brands. When you decide to visit Bansko, be sure to stop by the mall for variety, rest and fun!
Radonova House Ethnographic Museum
A rich ethnographic exposition presents in a unique way the essence and peculiarities of the life of Bansko. The variety of material, characterized by exquisite simplicity, accessibility and ability to serve man combines the purely practical requirements of life with the aesthetic ideas of our ancestors. On the ground floor of the restored farm, buildings are exhibited interesting finds from archaeological excavations in the region.
Baikusheva fir
Baikusheva fir is an important specimen of the black fir (Pinus heldreichii). Its age is estimated at more than 1300 years, making it the oldest coniferous tree in the country and one of the oldest trees in the world. Its approximate dimensions are: height 26 meters, diameter 2.48 meters and circumference 7.80 meters. Extremely impressive and located in a wonderful place for walking and relaxation.
Ideas what to do in Bansko
✓ In the beginning of August an annual jazz festival, the Bansko Jazz Festival, is held in the town.
✓ A couple of houses from the historical center turned into museums.
✓ The Sveta Troitsa church, a christian temple from 19th century.
✓ The highest peak of Pirin Mountain (Vihren – 2916m) is at a day’s walk from the city.
Tours which include Bansko
SPA and Recreation Holiday in Sandanski and Bansko area
10 days / 9 nights. Bulgaria is one of the leading SPA destinations in Europe, because of the abundance of mineral springs, located throughout the whole its territory. The number of the springs is more than 700, with different composition, temperature and properties of the mineral water. The Ancient Thracians have built some of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria around thermal springs. Most of these settlements become nowadays some of the best SPA resorts in Bulgaria. We select few of them to present you their treasures.
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Bulgaria- Explore and fit – 10 days
This is a program appropriate for everyone who wants to see the capital of Bulgaria, the beautiful mountains and to reduce and maintain its weight and change his lifestyle. This program is suitable for all ages, and people under 18 years old can join the program with a companion.
N.B: It is necessary that all participants are in good condition and without serious health problems.
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