Bansko
The town of Bansko (population 10,127) is a main administrative, cultural and economic centre in the County of Bansko. It is located 161 km south of the capital Sofia and 59 km South East of Blagoevgrad. Bansko is famous as the entrance to the beautiful Pirin Mountain range. Bansko is one of the fastest growing Bulgarian winter tourist resorts with an ever increasing level of summer tourism as well. Tourists visiting the town come from a wide variety of countries including the UK, Holland, America, Greece, Russia, and Germany. Bansko is also a great favourite with other Bulgarians, particularly those from the Capital Sofia, who visit at the weekends and during main holidays.
One of the oldest trees in Europe |
Going up to Vihren in the Summer |
Bird's eye view |
The specific renaissance atmosphere, the rich historical and cultural heritage, the preserved folklore and crafts, the original cuisine, the countless cosy and friendly private hotels and mehanas in their traditional style - all combined with the marvellous natural beauty of the Pirin Mountains and the warm mineral waters in the nearby village of Dobrinishte make Bansko a unique tourist centre. The town has been awarded the status of a "unique town with an international significance in the tourism industry" (since 1979). In Bansko there are around 150 monuments. Five of them bear a religious theme: the "Sveta Troitza" church with its clock tower, "Velianova kashta (house)" with its beautiful artistic frescoes by master Velyan Ognev - one of the best known members of the Bansko Art School (an institution that was famous nationwide long ago, but which is no longer in existance), the museum of "Neofit Rilsky", "Benina Kashta", the museum of Nikola Vaptzarov, the church "Uspenie Bogoroditchno".
Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov and also the Centre for arts and poetry where there is a year-round ethnographic exhibition emporium; the icon exhibition of "Banska zhivopisna shkola" (Bansko Painting School). The architecture of Bansko is unique. It usually consists of a strong bracing stonewall and this can be observed on many streets in the town, among which are "Yane Sandansky", "Velyan Ognev", "Neofit Rilsky" and others.
The famous Holy Trinity church |
A typical old house |
A typical Bansko street |
The cultural event that bears the biggest significance to visitors and locals alike is the Celebration of Bansko's traditions which take place every year during May for roughly one week in the ancient part of the town. Apart from that a great tourist attraction is the original picnic abduction with a rich folklore programme in the surroundings of the town done using unique horse carts. During the summer you can attend the traditional Jazz Festival which sees performances from many popular bands from around the country and indeed the rest of the world. During the wonderful, warm August nights in Bansko, under the clear skies, many people enjoy the performances of gifted musicians while the fresh mountain air and the friendly atmosphere make this whole experience totally unforgettable. The Festival lasts for five days, the first day always being 8th August.
Bansko is the birthplace of many great Bulgarians, among whom we need to mention Paisyi Hilendarsky, a name worshipped by the Bulgarians as it is related a great deal to the Bulgarian culture and enlightenment; Nikola Vaptsarov, a poet and anti-fascist known world-wide, who was the only Bulgarian to receive an international award for peace, Neofit Rilsky, again a significant figure in the education and culture of Bulgarians, Toma Vishanov Molera, the founder of Bansko Art School.
The majestic Vihren |
A snapshot of the old town |
The best picture of Pirin EVER |
Bansko is more than just the small pretty town visited by many. It is different than any other towns that you may visit or have visited. Nowhere else can you see such gates and stone walls, hear such songs sung and see such traditional clothing for both men and women. Nowhere else would you expect to hear such unique dialect and taste more delicious meals than those served locally. There is no real need to comment on the wine - the one produced in Bansko is a cure for the heart!
Bansko is not only a picturesque town; it is an integral part of the Bulgarian spirit!
