The historical quarter Varosha is located on the other side of the river from the modern town centre.
The narrow cobbled streets and houses in traditional style create a distinct atmosphere.
The church of the Annunciation has a distinctive decorated facade.
The modern city centre has been developed in the 1980s in a late socialist style. The American University in Bulgaria is located in the former Communist Party HQ for Blagoevgrad.
Blagoevgrad city centre.
Photo by Luba Ertel on Unsplash
Places to visit near Blagoevgrad
Rila Monastery
The largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria was founded in the 10th century by the hermit monk St Ivan Rilski and his disciples.
Its buildings have undergone multiple stages of transformation since then, and the oldest building is the defensive tower Hrelyova kula from the first half of the 14th century. It hosts a small chapel at the top floor with a unique wall painting.
The remaining buildings and the church have been constructed in the beginning of the 19th century.
The monastery has a library with medieval codices and a small museum of religious art.
Rila Monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
The monastery is located approximately 40 km northeast of Blagoevgrad.
Rila Monastery.
Photo by Boris on Unsplash
Rila Monastery.
Photo by Chris Hristov on Unsplash
Kyustendil
Kyustendil boasts over 40 thermal springs, and is famous for its cherry, plum and apple orchards. In 106 AD the Romans founded the municipium (city) of Ulpia Pautalia. The city has changed its name several times over the following centuries, obtaining the current name during the Ottoman period.
Archaeological sights include the Roman baths (thermae) and the fortress of Hisarlaka above the city centre.
In the vicinity of the Roman baths are the medieval tower Pirkova kula and the Ahmed Bey mosque (currently functioning as an art gallery).
The church Sveti Georgi in the historical quarter Kolusha dates from the 10th-12the centuries.
The 19th century Emfiedjieva house in the quarter Baglak showcases an exhibit of the urban life and culture of Kyustendil.
The Art gallery hosts a permanent exhibition of paintings by Vladimir Dimitrov-Maystora.
The restored house of Dimiter Peshev, Deputy Speaker of Parliament during World War II, who prevented the deportation of 48 000 Bulgarian Jews to Nazi Germany, is home to a permanent exhibition about his life and services to protect human rights. It is located behind the Art gallery.
More information is avalable at the website of the Regional Historical Museum.
Kyustendil is located approximately 70 km northwest of Blagoevgrad.
Hisarlaka fortress in Kyustendil.
Photo by Luba Ertel on Unsplash
Earth Pyramids near village of Stob
These rock formations are situated at the foothills of the Rila mountain range.
They were formed by rainfall and erosion during the Pliocene and Pleistocene geological epochs.
The village of Stob is located approximately 20 km northeast of Blagoevgrad, enroute to Rila Monastery. The paved road leading to the Pyramids is signposted from the village.
Earth pyramids (hoodoos) near village of Stob.
Photo by Dannyel Spasov on Unsplash
Kresna Gorge
Located about 20 km south of Blagoevgrad, this gorge on the Struma river forms the border between the Mediterranean and the temperate climate.
It is home to unique plant and animal species.
The Struma river offers opportunities for river rafting.
Small villages around the gorge such as Stara Kresna, Vlahi, Ilindentsi, Oshtava offer vistas towards several mountain ranges: Pirin to the west, Maleshevska and Vlahina to the west, Rila to the north and Belasitsa to the south.
