Village Banya Bulgaria thermal springs. Spa and balneology near Bansko

And, as if in the house of a fellow countryman
Ready to sit indefinitely
Bulgaria is small
But there are no limits to her warmth

Bansko is not just a modern ski resort, but a museum city with its own history, culture and traditions, with cobbled streets and old Bulgarian architecture, located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Bansko will certainly charm you with its antiquity and comfort!

In 1979, Bansko was declared a site of international importance in the field of tourism. Among the attractions: the majestic Church of St. Trinity (1835), the old Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1808), with one of the most valuable iconostases on the Balkan Peninsula, the House-Museum of the poet Nikola Vaptsarov, the House of Arts, the ancient bazaar, etc. Lovers of cultural excursions should definitely visit the nearby town Melnik, famous for its sand pyramids and good wines, monasteries in Rozhen, Rila and Bychkovo, as well as the nearby ancient city of Plovdiv.

After skiing, we recommend taking a walk through the ancient center with house-museums and the ancient Church of the Holy Mother of God, and after the walk, spend time in a “mekhana” - a national restaurant, taste unique Bulgarian cuisine and listen to beautiful Bulgarian songs.

Church "Holy Trinity"

The Church of the Holy Trinity represents one of the largest historical and cultural attractions of the city of Bansko. Local craftsmen built the church in 1835. It is one of the largest churches without a dome built on Bulgarian soil at that time. In the church yard there is a 30-meter bell tower with a clock. The paintings and wall paintings were done by Velyan Ognev.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one of the most interesting monuments of the National Bulgarian Revival. It was built in the mid-18th century on the surviving foundations of another medieval church destroyed during the Ottoman invasion. The main value of this church is its unique iconostasis carved from wood.
Bell tower

The bell tower of the city of Bansko was built in 1866 by the builder and inventor Teodor Hadjiradonov. The construction of the tower building was a very significant technical achievement in those days, because together with the bell tower a unique clock mechanism was created.

On the bell tower there is a nest of storks.

House-museum “Nikola Vaptsarov”

Nikola Vaptsarov (born 1909) is one of the famous poets of the 20th century. His poems have been translated into 50 languages. He was the only Bulgarian to be posthumously awarded the International Peace Prize in 1952. The house was reconstructed 3 times, in 1960, 1979 and 1992. The museum has 3 functional parts - a video hall and two rooms with 40 seats. The museum is open every day.

House-museum "Velyanova Kashta"

The Velyanova Kashta house in Bansko was originally built by a great master of wall painting, one of the designers of the Church of St. Trinity". The house is declared a cultural monument of national importance and is the most original fortified house from the Renaissance. The Velyanovata Kasha house impresses the visitor from the moment he crosses its ancient threshold.

House-museum of Neophyte Rilski – “Benin’s Kashta”

The home of Neofit Rilski, a Bulgarian monk, teacher and artist, the founder of Bulgarian secular education and the first Bulgarian encyclopedist. He lived there until 1811. The house is a typical example of Banskaya architecture, with a stone structure, an open attic and a small courtyard. Exists from the end of the 7th - beginning of the 19th century. Declared a national cultural monument.

Monument to Paisius Helendarsky

Paisiy Helendarsky (1722-1773) was the first exponent of the idea of ​​national revival and liberation of the Bulgarian people.

Surroundings of Bansko

The surroundings of Bansko, decorated with mountain peaks and lakes, are very beautiful. Not far from Bansko are Banderitsata and Kazana - two of the deepest caves in Bulgaria, as well as another famous attraction of the area - Baikusheva Mura (White Spruce) - the oldest tree in Bulgaria, reaching the age of 1300 years.

Rila Monastery (40 km from Bansko)

The monastery was founded in the 10th century by monk Ivan Rilski. This is the most famous Orthodox shrine in Bulgaria. It is located at an altitude of more than a thousand meters. The monastery is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The monastery's appearance resembles a fortress, but when you get inside, you will see red tiled roofs, white arches, carved balconies made of dark wood, and walls covered with colorful frescoes. The Rila Monastery houses many values ​​of national Bulgarian culture. The museum at the monastery displays rich collections of gold and silver utensils, ancient coins, weapons, and jewelry. The monastery library has great wealth; it contains more than 20 thousand volumes of rare editions of books.

Thermal spring in Ognyanovo (40 km from Bansko)

The village of Ognyanovo is located at the foot of the Western Rhodopes, about 200 km south of Sofia, 100 km southeast of Blagoevgrad and 12 km from Gotse Delchev.

The area is known for 24 thermal springs with an average water temperature of 39° - 40° C, exceptionally beautiful nature, a specific microclimate, flowering acacias and local air currents in the Kanina River valley.

There are 2 swimming pools to choose from - indoor and outdoor. The water temperature in the indoor pool is 35 degrees, in the outdoor pool 45.

Rupita

Rupite is a small village located in the southeastern part of the Blagoevograd region, on the right bank of the Struma River. This unique place has gained popularity due to the fact that the famous Bulgarian soothsayer Baba Vanga lived here and was buried after her death. The area, consisting of thermal mineral springs and the picturesque hills of Kozhukh and Pchelina, is actually the crater of an extinct volcano. Unique in its origin, Kozhukh Hill, located in the western part of the area, is often called the only volcano on the territory of Bulgaria. At the foot of the hill there are volcanic rocks and pyramidal formations.
In the southwestern part of the Kozhukh hill, the remains of an ancient Thracian settlement dating back to the end of the 4th century BC were discovered. In addition to its unique landscape, Rupite is also known for its numerous healing hot mineral springs.

According to the famous Bulgarian seer Baba Vanga, the Rupite region is under the influence of strong cosmic energy. Perhaps this is why the numerous mineral springs in the area have unique healing properties.

The Sveta Petka Church, built in 1992, in the traditional Eastern Orthodox style, in the place indicated by Baba Vanga herself, is a place of worship for a huge number of people. Every day people flock here to pay tribute to the Great Soothsayer, who, with her advice and predictions, healed illnesses and alleviated the suffering of many who turned to her for help. Vanga’s own house is located in close proximity to the church. After her death, Baba Vanga was buried in the Sveta Petka Church.

Melnik (100 km from Bansko)

Melnik is the most colorful town-museum of the Bulgarian Renaissance, famous for its wine cellars and unique architecture. Here you can taste the famous Bulgarian wine! It is also the smallest city in Bulgaria.

Red wine from Melnik is very thick and strong and has a unique aroma. Be sure to visit the tasting cave, where barrel wine is stored. After trying it and appreciating it, you will definitely buy a couple of bottles as a gift. No one will remain indifferent to such a wonderful wine, which smells of ancient barrels and is famous for its miraculous powers throughout the Mediterranean.

According to all the rules, this wine is drunk only from earthenware in the form of a bowl and you must leave a couple of drops at the bottom in order to subsequently spill it on the ground, which symbolizes a return to the roots, and in return the grateful land will call the guest again, inviting him to return to beautiful and unforgettable lands !

Melnik's "Pyramids"

A natural attraction of Melnik are its “pyramids”, which were declared natural monuments in 1960. They are molds of clay and sandy soil that constantly change over time. These formations are quite unique and attract more and more tourists every year. The shapes can be not only pyramidal, but can also look like a cone or a mushroom. The height of such pyramids reaches one hundred meters.

Sights of Melnik:

• Rozhen Monastery is the second largest monastic monastery in this district after Rila.
• "Pyramids" by Melnik.
• House of Kordopulov (one of the main tourist attractions on a national scale!).
• Pashov's house.
• Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
• Mount Pirin (one of three Bulgarian national parks).

Village Banya (5 km from Bansko)

The village of Banya is picturesquely located in a valley between the three largest and most beautiful mountains in Bulgaria - Rila, Pirin and Rhodope.

There are 72 hot mineral springs in the village. They are located in the village itself and at the foot of the Zhensko Birdo hill. Water temperature 37-57 degrees. Water of exceptional purity, slightly mineralized, suitable for drinking. The chemical composition of water includes bicarbonate, sulfate, sodium, fluorine, and silicon. Water is healing, helps treat chronic and inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological diseases, diseases of the nervous system and other diseases. There is also healing mud in the village of Banya.

Dancing Bears Park

The Dancing Bears Park in Belitsa is a bear paradise in Bulgaria. The park is located in Belitsa, about 1 hour drive from Bansko. The bears living in the park were previously owned by gypsies and were exploited by them for entertainment for many years. In 1998, a law was passed prohibiting “bear games” as cruel to animals. The state bought the bears from the gypsies. Since then, the former dancing bears have lived in a park created especially for them, where living conditions are close to their natural environment. The park, located on an area of ​​more than 120,000 sq. km on Mount Rila, was created thanks to the joint efforts of the 4 Paws Foundation and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.

What to bring from Bansko:

• Bulgarian vodka “rakia” is the most popular local vodka, or rather moonshine. Rakia can be considered as a traditional national drink. Rakia is available in a wide range and is quite inexpensive. Rakia (Bulgarians recommend Burgas 63, Solivenska Perla, Sungularska) - it’s better to buy it in a store for locals.
• Another typical Bulgarian strong drink is anise mastic. Its strength ranges from 40 to 50 degrees; there are several varieties, the best of which is considered “Peristera”.
• Bulgarian bells "Bansko"
• For children - Martinnitsa (there are such wonderful pumpons made of white and red wool)
• Fig jam (you can buy it if you go to Melnik)
• Rose oil. Bulgaria is one of the world leaders in its production. The areas around the city of Kazanlak are called the “Valley of Roses” - this is where the production of rose oil is concentrated, and the Rose Festival is held every spring. To make a liter of oil, you need about 4 tons of rose petals. The most recognizable souvenir from Bulgaria is a wooden bottle (muscal) with rose oil in a small vial.
• Perfumes and cosmetics from the Valley of Roses. Cosmetics in Bulgaria are produced without the use of chemicals, but only from ingredients obtained from environmentally friendly plantations of medicinal plants in Bulgaria. Bulgarian cosmetics are in great demand both in Russia and in all European countries.
• Silver: A silver item brought from Bulgaria would be a wonderful souvenir. The prices are low, the quality is good and there is a wide range.
• Wine Melnik, famous Mavrud
• Tablecloths, napkins, bedspreads: The national flavor is skillfully expressed by Bulgarian embroiderers on textile products. Tablecloths and napkins embroidered with a Bulgarian cross are a wonderful decoration for the kitchen... and also a wonderful gift for family and friends.
• Ceramics: Bulgarian painted ceramics are very popular. Bright bowls, bowls, jugs, baking pots, mugs, salt shakers and sugar bowls with characteristic folk patterns. This cookware is not just convenient - it is really high quality and durable.
• Kuker masks: Since time immemorial in Bulgaria, in honor of the protective spirits and patrons of fertility - Kukers, Kuker masks have been made from leather, wood, feathers, etc. These masks, according to legend, protect a person’s home, and you can buy them in almost any souvenir shop.
• For culinary lovers, you can bring seasonings from Bulgaria, which are presented in abundance here and have a special, strong aroma of mountain herbs. Gift souvenir sets with “sharena salt” - salt mixed with ground red pepper and fragrant mountain herbs.
• Kashkaval and feta cheese. Brynza is an essential component of a huge number of Bulgarian dishes, from Shopska salad to mish mash. It is not difficult to bring it, since in supermarkets it is often sold in well-closed plastic or tin cans. No less tasty is the traditional Bulgarian cheese Kashkaval, which is made from cow, goat, sheep or buffalo milk. If you take with you all this thinly rolled semi-finished dough “Kori”, which is easy to transport thanks to the factory packaging, then upon arrival you will be able to please your friends with a traditional banitsa - a layer cake with feta cheese.
• Herb tea. Bulgaria seems to be the country with the largest concentration of medicinal herbs and plants per capita. Almost everything is treated here with herbs, and as a preventive measure they love to drink various herbal teas, which are called bilkov tea here. However, they seem to drink them for pleasure, since many of them are really very tasty and perfectly quench thirst. You can buy bilk tea both in markets and supermarkets. The main thing is to decide on your favorite taste.
• Copper products. In almost any resort town or town in Bulgaria you can find craft shops specializing in copper processing. Their main charm is that here you can order a product according to your own design or simply watch the process of making your particular item. Bring a real copper pot with his portrait as a gift to a coffee lover, and he will probably be very pleased.
• And if your visit is in March, be sure to bring martenichka with you - intertwined red and white threads associated with the ancient custom of these places about happiness, well-being and fertility.

Continues to develop recreation centers and therapeutic thermal and mineral resorts. Its excellent location is in the very center of the Balkan Peninsula, a large territory - 111 thousand sq. km, a variety of landscapes - mountains, sea, river valleys, lakes, huge opportunities for recreation and recreation - a significant number of sunny days a year (in the south of the country - at least 215 days), sea and mountain air, excellent environmental conditions, a large selection of options for recovery and treatment (thermal, mineral waters, therapeutic mud, thalassotherapy, balneotherapy, spa, etc.) have become a good help for the flourishing of health tourism in the country.

And since one of the main natural resources of this country is the unique mineral and thermal springs in Bulgaria, its health resources, get to know the best of them. The majority of such sources are concentrated around mountain climatic resorts. As a rule, healing springs are surrounded by beautiful natural attractions; in the places where they are concentrated there is crystal clear air and ecologically clean areas. The most popular among vacationers are health resorts on the Black Sea coast, in the foothills of the mighty Balkans, in the Rhodope and Pirin mountain regions, in the valleys of the Struma and Mesta rivers.

Thermal springs in Bulgaria: where they are, what they treat

Thermal mineral springs in Bulgaria are represented by the most diverse chemical composition; they have a fairly wide range of mineralization - the weakest mineralized waters (145 mg/l) are the springs in the Sofia area, and the most concentrated (318-243 mg/l) are the waters in the Varna area. In terms of temperature, the thermal springs of Bulgaria are also quite different - in the area of ​​​​the city of Veliko Tarnovo, quite cool healing waters emerge from the ground with a temperature of about + 20C, and in Sapareva Banya there are real geysers - springs of boiling water bursting to the surface with a temperature of +103C.

The mineral waters of Bulgaria are rich in cations of potassium, calcium and magnesium; the composition of anions is dominated by bicarbonates and sulfates. In addition, numerous representatives of the periodic table of chemical elements were found in water as accompanying microelements: iodine, bromine, fluorine, lithium, iron, gases - radon, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide (carbohydrate dioxide), etc. There are also unusual additives, for example , metasilicic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, sedative (calming) and analgesic effects.

The pH of medicinal thermal springs in Bulgaria ranges from 7.5 to 9.6. This means that slightly alkaline and alkaline waters predominate. But in some resorts you can find mineral thermal water, which has a clearly acidic reaction. One of these springs is located in the Devin resort, its pH = 6.6.

Most medicinal waters in Bulgaria have a total mineralization of up to 1 g/l. This means that the use of such waters for treatment does not need to be strictly limited; they cannot harm the human body, but, on the contrary, help get rid of many chronic diseases. Also, the moderate concentration of salts makes it possible to determine the minimum required period of treatment and rehabilitation in Bulgarian thermal waters - 10-14 days.

The best thermal springs and resorts in Bulgaria

1. Sapareva Bath

Sapareva Banya is hidden in the foothills of Rila, in the Kyustendil region, 90 km from Sofia. It is here that scorching hyperthermic geysers are located, throwing water with a temperature of +103 C to the surface. The ancient Romans loved to come to the waters in Sapareva Banya; in those days the resort was called Germanea. The composition of the mineral thermal water of the sources in Sapareva Banya allows you to cure a number of diseases: eczema and psoriasis, chronic inflammation, psycho-neurological disorders. ...

Book a hotel in Sapareva Banya

2. Hisarya

Hisarya is a modern Bulgarian spa town-resort, located 40 km north of ancient Plovdiv, in the gentle Sredna Mountains. Its ancient Roman name is Diocletianopolis. During the Roman era, Hisarya was a famous tourist spa center - at that time there were 16 natural mineral springs operating on its territory. Nowadays, the resort uses twenty-two healing springs for healing, the water temperature of which is 37º-51ºС. ...

Book a hotel in Hisarya

3. Devin

The environmentally friendly, very picturesque resort town of Devin is located deep in the mysterious western Rhodope Mountains. The mineral thermal waters of the resort can seriously compete with the world famous Georgian Borjomi. ...

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4. Varshets

It is considered the most venerable in Bulgaria - the first therapeutic procedures in the Varshets thermal baths could be taken back in 1910. At that distant time, the first state balneological facilities were built in Varshets, reminiscent of the baths of the famous Baden-Baden (Germany).

Book a hotel in Varshets

5. Bankya

In the vicinity of the bustling capital of Bulgaria, 20 km from Sofia, is the calm resort town of Bankya, which can offer travelers as many as 40 mineral thermal springs. Connoisseurs of natural healing have long paved the way here and regularly visit Bankya. For the convenience of relaxation, the resort has modern spa centers, small family hotels, luxurious restaurants and cozy inexpensive cafes. About rest and recovery in Bankya...

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6. Velingrad

Velingrad is the spa capital of the Balkans, which has 80 mineral springs and a huge number of spa hotels, ranging from popular all-inclusive hotels to home apartments. The resort has excellent infrastructure for recreation and treatment; it is surrounded by beautiful natural beauty - lakes, centuries-old pine forests, karst caves.

15.12.2016

The Bulgarian resort of Bansko is known primarily as a center of ski tourism; travelers come here in winter to ski or snowboard. Not many people know that the surrounding area of ​​Bansko is rich in hot thermal springs with a unique chemical composition of mineral waters. This is a true gift of nature, helping to maintain health, youth and beauty.

Just a few kilometers from Bansko there is a small Bulgarian village. It is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level in the central part of the Razlozh Valley between three picturesque mountain ranges of Bulgaria: Rila, Pirin and Rodopite.

It is the presence of an abundance of warm mineral springs that makes the village of Banya a spa center in the Bansko-Razlog region and an excellent place for relaxation and wellness. 70 hot thermal springs with an average water temperature of about +58°C are located in this area. Water, rising from great depths under pressure, does not have time to cool, which provides it with crystal purity and healing properties. Mineral waters from these sources are used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory tract, nervous disorders, skin diseases, etc. Due to the fact that this water is not highly mineralized, it is also suitable for drinking. It contains fluorine, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, metasilicic acid, sulfates and other chemicals that have a beneficial effect on the human body as a whole.

Hotels and guest houses of the resort offer various types of wellness treatments and not only to their guests. Spa centers are generally open to everyone. Here you can always relax in an outdoor or indoor swimming pool with mineral water, have a massage or visit a mineral bath. You can get there in just 10 minutes.

Not far from Bansko there is also a small resort town. The greatest natural gift of this place is 17 healing thermal springs located in the city itself and its surroundings. The temperature of mineral water ranges from +30°C to +43°C, the total flow rate is 18 l/sec. Despite its rich chemical composition, the water has low mineralization, is odorless and has a pleasant taste.

Water from these thermal springs helps in the treatment of many diseases; numerous studies have only proven this. Local treatment centers offer various procedures using it: inhalation, internal and external use. Inhalations help with diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Mineral baths have a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Internal use is useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

“Srebarniyat Izvor” is the name of the most famous spring in Dobrinishte. Its water contains a large amount of silver ions, which have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the human body. By ordering, you can quickly and comfortably get to the resort and try for yourself the healing power of this mineral water.

Another interesting place, the balneological resort is located 48 km from Bansko. The village is located very close to the border with Greece in a picturesque hilly area at an altitude of 540 meters above sea level. Thermal springs, clean mountain air, combined with the mild climate typical of the southwestern part of Bulgaria, make Ognyanovo an excellent place for relaxation and recovery.

Ognyanovka mineral baths consist of 24 thermal springs with a total flow rate of 102 l/sec and an average water temperature of +40°C. The sources are concentrated in two places:

• Krairechno is a mineral cluster of 17 springs, located in the area of ​​Gradski Bani and the Ognyanovo health resort. This place is better known as Miroto. There are two outdoor mineral pools with a water temperature of about +42°C, as well as an old Roman bath, declared an architectural monument.
• Kraiselsko is another mineral cluster, which is located in the Selski Bani area. There are 7 thermal springs located in this area with a total flow rate of 17 l/sec, water temperature from +16°C to +40°C.

Absolutely all the thermal springs of the resort are bacteriologically clean, the water is clear, slightly mineralized with a slight smell of hydrogen sulfide. It is believed that this water can cure more than 100 diseases, including diseases of the musculoskeletal system, thyroid gland, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, metabolic diseases, diseases of the cardiovascular system, etc.

Every month more than 2,000 people from all over Europe come to Ognyanovo for balneological procedures. The best one is by car in 45 minutes.

If you decide to spend your vacation at a ski resort, the healing thermal springs in the Bansko area will certainly help you diversify it. Hot mineral baths, massages and other spa treatments will not only give you pleasure, but will also help you restore strength and health.

A few kilometers from Bansko there are many mineral springs and SPA centers. The nearest resort areas with healing hot water, outdoor swimming pools and SPA centers are Banya, Dobrinishte, Ognyanovo.

SPA in the village of Banya
The village of Banya is located in a valley between three mountains - Pirin, Rila and Rhodope. Banya is located 6 km from the ski resort of Bansko and at the same distance from the administrative town of Razlog.

In the last few years, the village has developed rapidly, turning into a spa resort. Complexes and hotels with modern SPA centers and swimming pools with mineral water are being built.
There is also an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool.

The bathhouse has been known since ancient times for its hot mineral springs, of which there are 72 in the village. The water temperature is 37–57°C, and the flow rate of the springs is 76 l/sec.

Water of exceptional purity, slightly mineralized, suitable for drinking. The composition of the water helps in the treatment and prevention of chronic and inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological diseases, diseases of the nervous system and other diseases. There is also healing mud in the village of Banya.

SPA in Dobrinishte

The resort town of Dobrinishte is located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, at an altitude of 810 m above sea level, 12 km from Bansko. Dobrinishte is a rapidly developing ski resort due to its close proximity to the mountains.

In addition, the resort is famous for its healing mineral springs, of which there are 17, and the water has a temperature of +30 .. +43°C and is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as dermatological, gynecological, neurological, and musculoskeletal.

Dobrinishte has a well-maintained outdoor mineral water swimming pool for public use. There are also several hotels with small spa centers.

SPA in the village of Ognyanovo

The village of Ognyanovo is located at the junction of the Rhodope and Pirin mountains, at an altitude of 500 m above sea level, 48 km from Bansko.

It has beautiful nature and a mild climate due to the influence of the Mediterranean, and throughout the year there are favorable conditions for taking medicinal baths.

In Ognyanovo there are 24 springs with healing mineral water with an average temperature of about 40°C.

Thermal springs are useful for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, neurology, endocrinology, and for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and spine.

In Ognyanovo there are several outdoor swimming pools, including those made of natural stone. Some pools are part of hotels, others are for public use.