Blagoevgrad is a town in southwest Bulgaria that serves as the administrative center of both the Blagoevgrad Municipality and the Blagoevgrad Province. It is the economic and cultural hub of Southwestern Bulgaria, with a population of almost 70,000. It is situated in the Struma River valley, at the foot of the Rila Mountains, 101 kilometers (63 miles) south of Sofia, on the border with North Macedonia.
Blagoevgrad is well-known for its magnificent natural surroundings, as well as its many cultural attractions and events. This is a thriving and rapidly rising metropolis. The town is well-known for its nightlife, which is facilitated by a large number of taverns known locally as krychmi (крми) or mehani (меани). Across the river from the city center lies the Varosha neighborhood, which is effectively the old town. It is home to the lovely church Sveta Bogorodiza (1844), which has a very Bulgarian aspect.
The main campus of American University in Bulgaria is located in the city, which has a population of little more than 1,000 students. The dorms of AUBG are located in the southern section of the city, within walking distance of the city center, restaurants, and numerous entertainment establishments. AUBG is recognized in Bulgaria by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency and in the United States by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Climate Of Blagoevgrad
Due to air masses that arrive from the south valley of the north, the climate is transitional mediterranean with continental influences. Due to the natural barrier formed by the steep hills of the Rila massif and the settlement of Belo Pole, the town is shielded from chilly northerly winds. Along the river Bistritsa, a mountain wind falls from Rila, delivering refreshing air on hot summer days. There is a little breeze – 1.6 metres per second. Blagoevgrad’s air is pure due to the many mountain forests around the town and the absence of industrial pollutants. Winters are moderate and short, with little to no snowfall. January’s average temperature is 1.6 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are long and dry, with hardly a trace of precipitation. The average temperature in July and August is 24 °C (75 °F), while the greatest temperature recorded in Blagoevgrad is 44.6 °C (112 °F) and the record low temperature is 1.7 °C (1 °F). The yearly average temperature is around 13.2 °C (56 °F).
History Of Blagoevgrad
Around 300 BC, a Hellenistic hamlet named Scaptopara (market town in Thracian) arose on the site of an earlier Thracian settlement and was eventually annexed by the Roman Empire in 48 AD along with the rest of Thrace. The town was well-known for its thermae-supplying hot springs. During the Third Century Crisis, the Scaptoparans submitted a plea to Emperor Gordian III, the wording of which is preserved in a Latin and Koine Greek inscription unearthed there in 1868 and dated 238 AD. The petition expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of soldiers and visitors to the baths and noted that appeals to the governor of the province of Thrace had been unsuccessful; the emperor’s reply, which was also inscribed, disclaimed responsibility and referred citizens to the governor for redress. Since then, the inscription has been lost. Subsequently, the territory was included into the eastern half of the late ancient Roman Empire, which evolved into the Byzantine Empire.
Although the settlement’s origins in the Middle Ages is uncertain, it became a Muslim-majority town known as Cuma- Bala under Ottoman administration of the Balkans. Cuma- Bala translates as „Upper Juma“ in Persian and Ottoman Turkish.
During the Bulgarian National Revival, a Bulgarian neighborhood named Varosha was developed, with many of its distinctive buildings and the Church of the Presentation of the Mother of God from 1844 being maintained to this day. In 1866, a chitalishte was established, and during the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, the territory was annexed by Ottoman control and incorporated into the Bulgarian state by the Treaty of Constantinople. Cuma-Bala was delimited as kaza to Serez sandjak in Selanik vilayet prior to the Balkan Wars.
According to Vasil Kanchov, the town’s population was 6440 in 1900, with 1250 Bulgarians, 4500 Turks, 250 Vlachs, 200 Roma, 180 Jews, and 60 Greeks. At the time, the majority of Turks resided in the town, while the majority of Bulgarians lived in the nearby villages. In the decades that followed, the town had a large influx of refugees from Greek and Vardar Macedonia.
In March 1943, during World War II, the Bulgarian Commissariat for Jewish Affairs (KEV) created a transit camp for Jews deported from Bulgaria during the Holocaust in Gorna Dzhumaya (modern Blagoevgrad). The Jews had been imprisoned in Bulgarian-occupied Greece’s new „Belomora Oblast“ and in Bulgarian-annexed Pirot in Yugoslavia. Under the direction of KEV official Ivan Tepavski, the camp comprised of a tobacco factory and a few school buildings, where captives were imprisoned and famished for 11–12 days before being transported to Lom, embarked for Vienna, and eventually killed at Treblinka.
Sights & Landmarks In Blagoevgrad
The Varosha district’s old houses have been saved and repaired.
Additionally, the History Museum is located in the Varosha neighborhood. It was constructed in the Revival style and has an extensive collection of „Archeology,“ „Ethnography,“ and „Nature“ exhibits.
Blagoevgrad is a significant university center, with the American University of Bulgaria and the Neofit Rilski Southwestern University located there.
Additionally, the city is well-known for its gorgeous and functional town center, which is entirely paved in marble.
Bachinovo Prak is located about 3,5 kilometers from Blagoevgrad. Each year, it holds the town’s official holiday.
Bodrost Resort is located in Northwestern Rila and has a variety of villas and bungalows ideal for all-year relaxation and vacationing. Local officials recently revealed plans to build a large resort complex on the location, complete with multiple ski slopes for winter tourists.
Stob’s pyramids are awe-inspiring clay pyramids covered with stone pieces. Numerous frequent buses travel through Stob on their route to and from Rila town and monastery.
Tourists visiting Blagoevgrad may stay in a variety of three-star hotels. Numerous restaurants and traditional pubs provide high-quality food and have an extensive wine and beverage range. Make certain to sample some of the typical local cuisine.
Blagoevgrad has a boisterous nightlife, since the town is crowded with young students for the majority of the year. In local nightclubs and discos, wild parties are a typical occurrence.
Food & Restaurants In Blagoevgrad
Paparazzi – With a very broad menu, Paparazzi offers reasonably priced meals and is popular with both locals and AUBG students. The restaurant is situated immediately south of Makedonia Square on ulitsa Rayko Daskalov 8.
Pizza Napoli – If you’re in the need for some fantastic pizza, Pizza Napoli is an excellent spot to stop for a slice or a pie. Bulgaria, in general, handles pizza differently from the rest of the world, although you can find both classic pizza toppings and uniquely Bulgarian ones here. The restaurant is situated on ulitsa Hristo Botev 4, next to the town hall of Blagoevgrad.
Nightlife in Blagoevgrad
The city is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. Additionally, owing to the large student population, there are several bars, discos, clubs, and pubs. On the one hand, if you like going to bars, you should check out Raffy, which has a pleasant environment, excellent music, and a large number of young people to converse with. If, however, you like discos, you should visit Grafitti, The Face, or Juliany. Additionally, the city has two piano bars. In general, there are several locations to party.
Underground – A popular hangout spot for 20-something residents and AUBG students alike, Underground is situated on the main pedestrian thoroughfare, Arseniy Kostentsev 7, just across from the library. As the name implies, the club is situated in the building’s basement, and a reasonably discrete entrance leads to this busy establishment. Typically, a bouncer is stationed at the entry to collect a modest cover charge and swiftly verify your identification. Once inside, you’re met with loud music, inexpensive drinks, and stunning women. A must-see if you’re planning a visit to the city.
Underground 2 – Underground’s younger, bigger sibling club. Underground 2 is just as vibrant, just as affordable, and just as crowded with gorgeous people. Due to its recent status, this club is significantly finer than its sibling club yet seems to be less packed due to its increased size. With a variety of bars, you won’t have to wait long for beverages here.
Old Dublin – As one of the city’s most popular Irish pubs, Old Dublin does not disappoint. With a somewhat laid-back atmosphere, this is an excellent spot for watching a football match and drinking a pint or two. ulitsa (улиa) Trakiya 3 is a short walk from Makedonia Square.
Blagoevgrad
Blagoevgrad
Blagoevgrad is a town in southwest Bulgaria that serves as the administrative center of both the Blagoevgrad Municipality and the Blagoevgrad Province. It is the economic and cultural hub of Southwestern Bulgaria, with a population of almost 70,000. It is situated in the Struma River valley, at the foot of the Rila Mountains, 101 kilometers (63 miles) south of Sofia, on the border with North Macedonia.
Blagoevgrad is well-known for its magnificent natural surroundings, as well as its many cultural attractions and events. This is a thriving and rapidly rising metropolis. The town is well-known for its nightlife, which is facilitated by a large number of taverns known locally as krychmi (крми) or mehani (меани). Across the river from the city center lies the Varosha neighborhood, which is effectively the old town. It is home to the lovely church Sveta Bogorodiza (1844), which has a very Bulgarian aspect.
The main campus of American University in Bulgaria is located in the city, which has a population of little more than 1,000 students. The dorms of AUBG are located in the southern section of the city, within walking distance of the city center, restaurants, and numerous entertainment establishments. AUBG is recognized in Bulgaria by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency and in the United States by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Climate Of Blagoevgrad
Due to air masses that arrive from the south valley of the north, the climate is transitional mediterranean with continental influences. Due to the natural barrier formed by the steep hills of the Rila massif and the settlement of Belo Pole, the town is shielded from chilly northerly winds. Along the river Bistritsa, a mountain wind falls from Rila, delivering refreshing air on hot summer days. There is a little breeze – 1.6 metres per second. Blagoevgrad’s air is pure due to the many mountain forests around the town and the absence of industrial pollutants. Winters are moderate and short, with little to no snowfall. January’s average temperature is 1.6 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are long and dry, with hardly a trace of precipitation. The average temperature in July and August is 24 °C (75 °F), while the greatest temperature recorded in Blagoevgrad is 44.6 °C (112 °F) and the record low temperature is 1.7 °C (1 °F). The yearly average temperature is around 13.2 °C (56 °F).
History Of Blagoevgrad
Around 300 BC, a Hellenistic hamlet named Scaptopara (market town in Thracian) arose on the site of an earlier Thracian settlement and was eventually annexed by the Roman Empire in 48 AD along with the rest of Thrace. The town was well-known for its thermae-supplying hot springs. During the Third Century Crisis, the Scaptoparans submitted a plea to Emperor Gordian III, the wording of which is preserved in a Latin and Koine Greek inscription unearthed there in 1868 and dated 238 AD. The petition expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of soldiers and visitors to the baths and noted that appeals to the governor of the province of Thrace had been unsuccessful; the emperor’s reply, which was also inscribed, disclaimed responsibility and referred citizens to the governor for redress. Since then, the inscription has been lost. Subsequently, the territory was included into the eastern half of the late ancient Roman Empire, which evolved into the Byzantine Empire.
Although the settlement’s origins in the Middle Ages is uncertain, it became a Muslim-majority town known as Cuma- Bala under Ottoman administration of the Balkans. Cuma- Bala translates as „Upper Juma“ in Persian and Ottoman Turkish.
During the Bulgarian National Revival, a Bulgarian neighborhood named Varosha was developed, with many of its distinctive buildings and the Church of the Presentation of the Mother of God from 1844 being maintained to this day. In 1866, a chitalishte was established, and during the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, the territory was annexed by Ottoman control and incorporated into the Bulgarian state by the Treaty of Constantinople. Cuma-Bala was delimited as kaza to Serez sandjak in Selanik vilayet prior to the Balkan Wars.
According to Vasil Kanchov, the town’s population was 6440 in 1900, with 1250 Bulgarians, 4500 Turks, 250 Vlachs, 200 Roma, 180 Jews, and 60 Greeks. At the time, the majority of Turks resided in the town, while the majority of Bulgarians lived in the nearby villages. In the decades that followed, the town had a large influx of refugees from Greek and Vardar Macedonia.
In March 1943, during World War II, the Bulgarian Commissariat for Jewish Affairs (KEV) created a transit camp for Jews deported from Bulgaria during the Holocaust in Gorna Dzhumaya (modern Blagoevgrad). The Jews had been imprisoned in Bulgarian-occupied Greece’s new „Belomora Oblast“ and in Bulgarian-annexed Pirot in Yugoslavia. Under the direction of KEV official Ivan Tepavski, the camp comprised of a tobacco factory and a few school buildings, where captives were imprisoned and famished for 11–12 days before being transported to Lom, embarked for Vienna, and eventually killed at Treblinka.
Sights & Landmarks In Blagoevgrad
The Varosha district’s old houses have been saved and repaired.
Additionally, the History Museum is located in the Varosha neighborhood. It was constructed in the Revival style and has an extensive collection of „Archeology,“ „Ethnography,“ and „Nature“ exhibits.
Blagoevgrad is a significant university center, with the American University of Bulgaria and the Neofit Rilski Southwestern University located there.
Additionally, the city is well-known for its gorgeous and functional town center, which is entirely paved in marble.
Bachinovo Prak is located about 3,5 kilometers from Blagoevgrad. Each year, it holds the town’s official holiday.
Bodrost Resort is located in Northwestern Rila and has a variety of villas and bungalows ideal for all-year relaxation and vacationing. Local officials recently revealed plans to build a large resort complex on the location, complete with multiple ski slopes for winter tourists.
Stob’s pyramids are awe-inspiring clay pyramids covered with stone pieces. Numerous frequent buses travel through Stob on their route to and from Rila town and monastery.
Tourists visiting Blagoevgrad may stay in a variety of three-star hotels. Numerous restaurants and traditional pubs provide high-quality food and have an extensive wine and beverage range. Make certain to sample some of the typical local cuisine.
Blagoevgrad has a boisterous nightlife, since the town is crowded with young students for the majority of the year. In local nightclubs and discos, wild parties are a typical occurrence.
Food & Restaurants In Blagoevgrad
Paparazzi – With a very broad menu, Paparazzi offers reasonably priced meals and is popular with both locals and AUBG students. The restaurant is situated immediately south of Makedonia Square on ulitsa Rayko Daskalov 8.
Pizza Napoli – If you’re in the need for some fantastic pizza, Pizza Napoli is an excellent spot to stop for a slice or a pie. Bulgaria, in general, handles pizza differently from the rest of the world, although you can find both classic pizza toppings and uniquely Bulgarian ones here. The restaurant is situated on ulitsa Hristo Botev 4, next to the town hall of Blagoevgrad.
Nightlife in Blagoevgrad
The city is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. Additionally, owing to the large student population, there are several bars, discos, clubs, and pubs. On the one hand, if you like going to bars, you should check out Raffy, which has a pleasant environment, excellent music, and a large number of young people to converse with. If, however, you like discos, you should visit Grafitti, The Face, or Juliany. Additionally, the city has two piano bars. In general, there are several locations to party.
Underground – A popular hangout spot for 20-something residents and AUBG students alike, Underground is situated on the main pedestrian thoroughfare, Arseniy Kostentsev 7, just across from the library. As the name implies, the club is situated in the building’s basement, and a reasonably discrete entrance leads to this busy establishment. Typically, a bouncer is stationed at the entry to collect a modest cover charge and swiftly verify your identification. Once inside, you’re met with loud music, inexpensive drinks, and stunning women. A must-see if you’re planning a visit to the city.
Underground 2 – Underground’s younger, bigger sibling club. Underground 2 is just as vibrant, just as affordable, and just as crowded with gorgeous people. Due to its recent status, this club is significantly finer than its sibling club yet seems to be less packed due to its increased size. With a variety of bars, you won’t have to wait long for beverages here.
Old Dublin – As one of the city’s most popular Irish pubs, Old Dublin does not disappoint. With a somewhat laid-back atmosphere, this is an excellent spot for watching a football match and drinking a pint or two. ulitsa (улиa) Trakiya 3 is a short walk from Makedonia Square.
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