Bansko

Pirin region is a piece of heaven! It is occupying the South-western part of Bulgaria, Pirin region is a land of high mountains and fertile valleys, ancient history, living heritage of tragic moments and faith. It is a land of myths and legends and it has something to offer for all different tastes! Lovers of winter sports will find in the magnificent Pirin mountain an excellent ski-tracks and high standard facilities.

The Pirin National Park included in the List of the UNESCO Convention for the Preservation of World Natural and Cultural Heritage, offers a great opportunity for both - those who love trekking in the high mountains and spending the nights in cosy chalets, and those who prefer short circular walks while staying in comfortable hotels. In the picturesque holiday settlement, such as Bansko, Dobrinishte, Razlog and others, the romantics of the National Revival period is preserved and the people there still work traditional handicrafts and celebrate traditional customs. At the southern slope of the mountain is nestled the smallest Bulgarian town - Melnik proclaimed a town-museum. In its surroundings are situated the marvellous Melnik pyramids - unique natural phenomenon, in which draperies matures the famous Melnik wine. Not far to the east is located the Rozhen monastery - a nurse of the Bulgarian faith and spirit.

In Pirin region you will find the well-known spa resort of Sandanski and only 15 km. north-east of the town is situated the holiday village of Popina luka in the place of the same name with vast green glades, crystal brooks and fresh mountain air.

As a settlement Bansko has long and full of interesting events history. The municipality of the town of Bansko was officially registerd in 1850. The famous “St. Trinity” church was constructed with donations from the local people and was officially opened in 1835.

Bansko lived its "Golden Age" in the second half of 18th century and the beginning of 19th century when it reached economic and cultural peak: The art school of Bansko was established: the disciples of the school added many secular and historical subjects; a monastery school and a comprehensive school were opened.
Its inhabitants actively participated in the consequent bloody rebellions - Kresna-Razlog rebellion (1878-1879) and the Ilinden- Preobrazhenie rebellion (1903). The town was liberated from the Turkish rule on 5th October 1912 (the Balkan war).
Bansko is the native place of the titans of the Bulgarian Revival period Paisii Hilendarski and Neofit Rilski.

Museum complex - Bansko has one of the best museum networks in the country. It comprises the following sites: House-museum "Neofit Rilski" - opened for tourists since 1981. The furniture and part of the premises including these of the monastery school (the so-called cell school) are restored. In the reconstructed farm buildings a documentary hall is established, representing the public activity of Neofit Rilski.

Another house-museum is named "Nikola Vaptsarov"- dedicated to the life and artistic masterpieces of Nikola Vaptsarov – one of the most famous and emblematic Bulgarian poets. Opened in 1952. it includes restoration of the living premises where the he and his family spent most of their life.

In Bansko takes place one of the biggest music annual events in Bulgaria. It is the Bansko Jazz Fest.

With Bulgaria's mountain pearl of Bansko growing too fast, the mayor has started to direct investors to nearby villages, hoping to create a mega-resort spreading between several settlements.

The future mega-resort will have over 100,000 beds and 160 kilometres of tracks, finally finding a way to dominate over Bulgaria's other two most popular skiing places - Borovets and Pamporovo. Over 2,3 Million euro are planned to be Invested in Bansko Ski Runs

For Season ’07 Bansko expects over a million tourist to enjoy its ski tracks, amazing nature and delicious food.

Things to do

There are lots of things to do and see in Bansko here is just a few:

- Bansko is a Skiing / snowboarding delight. The ski infrastructure was designed and built by an Austrian company approximately 3 years ago. The pistes offer a mixture of open and tree lined runs that afford plenty of challenges for the more experienced skier. For those new to the sport, the nursery slope is situated at the hub of skiing arena and offers a safe environment in which to learn

- The most striking feature of Bansko is the Sveta Troista Church. This outstanding peace of architecture is dominated by the 30 meter high clock tower, which is, according to the postcards I saw, Bansko’s major landmark. The church was built in the 19 th. Century and is surrounded by 1 meter tick walls, which are some 5 meter high!

- The proximity of the Pirin Mountain and its easy accessibility by car makes it perfect for a picnic or a hike, or rock climbing.

- If you are a fan of train rides, you could catch the narrow gauge train from Bansko to Dobrinishte.
If you think this ride was short, board the train for a fun ride to the village of Avramovo in the Rhodope Mountains, the highest train-stop in Bulgaria. The ride takes about two hours and is one of the most picturesque in the country

- Bansko has recently had plans approved for an 18 whole golf course. This will be one the most attractive golf courses in the Balkans. Situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountain. The golf course started construction in 2006 and is now well under way

- There is also a wealth of actictys for the whole family enjoy such as, The Bear Park, the park is run by a charity foundation with the aim of rescuing dancing bears in Bulgaria. It makes for an educational excursion, seeing these fantastic creatures back in their natural habitat. The park has rich natural environment, so that the bears can turn back to their normal behaviour in nature.