Velingrad
Velingrad is a small and yet fascinating settlement in the Rhodopi mountain, famous for its mineral water springs. This spa resort has just 26,500 permanent inhabitants but over 200,000 local and foreign tourists visit it every year.
The area of Velingrad keeps evidence of life even since antiquity with Thracians, Slavs, Byzantines and Romans having left traces of their presence. During Ottoman rule, the population of most villages around Velingrad was forced to convert to Islam, which explains the great number of Bulgarian Muslims in the region.
The area of Velingrad keeps evidence of life even since antiquity with Thracians, Slavs, Byzantines and Romans having left traces of their presence. During Ottoman rule, the population of most villages around Velingrad was forced to convert to Islam, which explains the great number of Bulgarian Muslims in the region.
The town is mostly known for tourism and wood processing. The 80 mineral springs, mild climate and beautiful nature create ideal conditions for recreational tourism. The temperature of the springs varies from 220 to 900. The three quarters of Velingrad have mineral waters, but still the Chepino quarter accounts for about half of the town’s water resources. The mineral water of Velingrad is a combination of the curative qualities of other mineral water-rich areas in Bulgaria, such as Hissar, Banya and Narechenski Bani.
Velingrad’s most popular natural sight is the karst spring of Kleptouza in the Chepino quarter. This is the biggest karst spring in Bulgaria, having an output of 570 litre per second. There is also a beautiful lake, with restaurants and a small park, which lies close to the spring. The most visited landmark is the old church of Kamenitsa, St Trinity, built in 1816 and recently renovated.
Velingrad’s most popular natural sight is the karst spring of Kleptouza in the Chepino quarter. This is the biggest karst spring in Bulgaria, having an output of 570 litre per second. There is also a beautiful lake, with restaurants and a small park, which lies close to the spring. The most visited landmark is the old church of Kamenitsa, St Trinity, built in 1816 and recently renovated.
