Bulgaria Reals

Information about Bansko

History and Culture
The city of Bansko is situated on the Glazne river in the foot of Pirin National Park right on the border where it meets with Rila and Rhodope mountain ranges.
The village dates from as early as 9th -10th century A.D. on the site where ancient Thracian settlements had existed thus having a rich historical heritage with over 120 cultural sites and monuments including the “Sveta Troitza” (Holy Trinity) church.
Bansko is also the birthplace of Paisii Hilendarski - the author of "Istoriya Slavenobulgarskaya" (History of Slavo-Bulgars - 1762), Neofit Rilski - the founder of secular education and author of the first Bulgarian encyclopedia, Nikola Vaptsarov - an international renown poet.

Winter Activities
Presently Bansko offers the best skiing conditions with its heavy snow falls, the longest ski season as well as state of the art equipment being recently installed comprising of a gondola, 6 ski lifts, 44 snow cannons with over 65 km of ski runs and a 5 km cross-country track.
There are perfect conditions for both skiers and snowboard fans with one of the best free ride experiences in Bulgaria.

After Ski
Alongside state of the art skiing equipment, luxury hotels, bars and discotheques one can enjoy the numerous taverns (mehana) famous for their excellent cuisine and moreover life folk music that would keep anyone up dancing the night out.

Summer activities
Besides perfect skiing conditions Bansko is an excellent summer location with its warm summer months, breath taking views, hiking opportunities, lakes, waterfalls, rich cultural heritage and wide choice of mineral springs with marvellous facilities for relaxation. In August Bansko hosts the National Jazz Fest when thousands of people from all over Europe come together to enjoy nice music alongside beautiful nature. Moreover there are a number of locations in close proximity such as the Rila Monastery having in mind that Sofia is just an hour and a half away.