Blagoevgrad

Blagoevgrad is an administrative, cultural and transport capital of the Pirin region. The town is situated at the foot of the southwestern slopes of Rila mountain, on the river banks of Blagoevgradska Bistritsa river, 101 km south of Sofia. The town was built in the first year of the Ottoman domination at the place of an ancient Thracian settlement. Nowadays, the modern civic center is of interest, but the restored old quarter Varosha is a home of unique 19th-century houses.

Some of the most interesting landmarks are the Church of Annunciation of the Virgin, the History Museum, the Forest Park with a small zoo and a botanical garden. There are also neighbouring houses which form a colony of artists' studio and work shops with interesting craft demonstrations from the 19th century. Blagoevgrad is a starting point for visiting the Pyramids of Stob, the antique fortresses nearby the village of Klisura, Selishte, Gabrovo and Tzerovo.

There are 30 mineral springs in catchment with temperature up to 55 C. These unique springs make Blagoevgrad a spa resort.
The town is also a university centre with two famous universities - American University and Neofit Rilski Southwestern University. Blagoevgrad is known for its beautiful and functional town centre, all laid out in marble. What astonishes most about Blagoevgrad is that the town is extremely clean, people are hospitable and friendly. It is worth visiting this small town for it will make the visitor forget about the every day stress and work.