Bansko
The town of Bansko ( population 9 134) is situated at the northeastern foot of Pirin beneath the highest and the most beautiful part of the mountain. It is 160 km south of Sofia.
Bansko is one of the biggest winter ski resorts in Bulgaria and attracts thousands of skiers every year. Bansko has the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. There are many slopes supplied with 44 Technoalpine snow cannons. The total length of the marked ski runs is 65 kilometers.
Bansko is one of the biggest winter ski resorts in Bulgaria and attracts thousands of skiers every year. Bansko has the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. There are many slopes supplied with 44 Technoalpine snow cannons. The total length of the marked ski runs is 65 kilometers.
The Museum town Bansko
Bansko is not only a famous ski center but also a museum town. Bansko is an important cultural centre for the Pirin, and the nearby areas, region. According to historic records, the settlement was first established about 9th -10th century A.D. on the site where ancient Thracian settlements once used to exist.
The Bulgarian town of Bansko has been declared a unique town of international importance conttibuting to the commercial tourism (1979). Apart from the beautiful Pirin mountain and the abundance of spots of natural beauty the town also reveals its many historic sites. Remains of ancient fortresses have been preserved in the Staroto Gradishte (Stankale), a place situated about 4 km southwest of the town, and also in the Yulen locality (downstream Demyanitsa river). Thracian tumuli have been found during archeological digging in the area of Staroto Gradishte. Thanks to the hard archaeological works a 2nd century B.C. burial site was found which contains a set of bronze surgical instruments, remains of medical preparations etc. in the centuries-old Dobrokyovitsa locality (west of Bansko). Scientists suggest that a medieval settlement once existed in the Sveta Troitsa (Holy Trinity) locality (northeast of town). Southeast of Bansko the remains of the late-medieval churches "St George" and "St Elijah" are to catch the eye of the visitor.
Bansko is renowned for its well-preserved traditions and culture, its original architecture dating back to the Revival period. There are many two-storey fortress houses in Bansko. They are made of stone with high walls and heavy solid gates. This style of architecture reached a full bloom during the Revival. The oldest houses of Hadjivalcho, Hadjirusko and Velian have great architectural and historical value.
Famous local culinary specialties are Banski shashlik and Banska kapama.
Bansko is not only a famous ski center but also a museum town. Bansko is an important cultural centre for the Pirin, and the nearby areas, region. According to historic records, the settlement was first established about 9th -10th century A.D. on the site where ancient Thracian settlements once used to exist.
The Bulgarian town of Bansko has been declared a unique town of international importance conttibuting to the commercial tourism (1979). Apart from the beautiful Pirin mountain and the abundance of spots of natural beauty the town also reveals its many historic sites. Remains of ancient fortresses have been preserved in the Staroto Gradishte (Stankale), a place situated about 4 km southwest of the town, and also in the Yulen locality (downstream Demyanitsa river). Thracian tumuli have been found during archeological digging in the area of Staroto Gradishte. Thanks to the hard archaeological works a 2nd century B.C. burial site was found which contains a set of bronze surgical instruments, remains of medical preparations etc. in the centuries-old Dobrokyovitsa locality (west of Bansko). Scientists suggest that a medieval settlement once existed in the Sveta Troitsa (Holy Trinity) locality (northeast of town). Southeast of Bansko the remains of the late-medieval churches "St George" and "St Elijah" are to catch the eye of the visitor.
Bansko is renowned for its well-preserved traditions and culture, its original architecture dating back to the Revival period. There are many two-storey fortress houses in Bansko. They are made of stone with high walls and heavy solid gates. This style of architecture reached a full bloom during the Revival. The oldest houses of Hadjivalcho, Hadjirusko and Velian have great architectural and historical value.
Famous local culinary specialties are Banski shashlik and Banska kapama.
