Information About the Town of Bansko
Hostory of the Town and the Ski Resort
Bansko (Bulgarian: Банско) is a town in southwestern Bulgaria, located at the foot of Pirin mountain at an altitude of 925 m above sea level. The resort is located at 160 km. away from Sofia, 110 km. from Plovdiv and 55 km. from Blagoevgrad. It is considered as the most developed Ski and Winter Resort in Eastern Europe and is one of the best in Europe.
Bansko is а birthplace of Bulgarian enlighteners Paisiy Hilendarski, Neofit Rilski and 20th century poet Nikola Vaptsarov. Bansko, once mainly a stock breeding and traveling merchant community, has nowadays become a center of winter and summer tourism. The mountain peaks near the town, the numerous lakes and the old pine woods make it a popular site for recreation. In recent years the town has gained international popularity after the start of the annual Bansko Jazz Festival and consequently the annual Bansko pop star concert featuring top pop stars. The nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km from the town, is known for its 27 thermal mineral springs. A new gondola lift was built in 2003 to replace a minibus ride up to the ski slopes of Todorka. Several other gondolas and ski lifts are in the process of being built. These developments, along with the construction of extensive housing and recreational facilities around the gondola (which is on the southwest end of the town by the river), have made Bansko a popular and growing destination. The town is served by a scenic narrow gauge railway from Septemvri to Dobrinishte.
Welcome to the Winter ParadiseBansko is а birthplace of Bulgarian enlighteners Paisiy Hilendarski, Neofit Rilski and 20th century poet Nikola Vaptsarov. Bansko, once mainly a stock breeding and traveling merchant community, has nowadays become a center of winter and summer tourism. The mountain peaks near the town, the numerous lakes and the old pine woods make it a popular site for recreation. In recent years the town has gained international popularity after the start of the annual Bansko Jazz Festival and consequently the annual Bansko pop star concert featuring top pop stars. The nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km from the town, is known for its 27 thermal mineral springs. A new gondola lift was built in 2003 to replace a minibus ride up to the ski slopes of Todorka. Several other gondolas and ski lifts are in the process of being built. These developments, along with the construction of extensive housing and recreational facilities around the gondola (which is on the southwest end of the town by the river), have made Bansko a popular and growing destination. The town is served by a scenic narrow gauge railway from Septemvri to Dobrinishte.
Most Important Dates
1576
Foundation
The first documentary evidence of Bansko found in the Ottoman register.
1835
The Holy Trinity Church
In this year was built one of the most famous Bulgarian churches - The Holy Trinity.
2002
The Cabin Lift
The Cabin Lift was built in this year, which eventually led to a beginning of a new Era in this town's history.
2003
Ski Resort
Since the year 2003, Bansko began gaining popularity as a prospering ski resort. Today we are proud to say that Bansko is one of the best European ski resorts.