Today we will talk about a picturesque town, comfortably located in the Razlozh basin, at an altitude of 936 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Pirin mountain range. A little-known fact, but many centuries ago, on the site of Bansko, in the valley of three mountains (Rila, Rhodope and Pirin), a huge lake sparkled under the bright rays of the sun. But time passed and the water element retreated, finding a way out through the Mesta River into the Byalo (Bulgarian) Aegean Sea, thereby giving way to a man who came here after a wild beast.
New settlers developed local territories, actively engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding, and later woodworking and blacksmithing. Tobacco and marijuana grown by enterprising Banskali, as the local, indigenous inhabitants of Bansko are called, were exported to Europe. Wealthy merchants opened their trading offices in the countries of Central Europe and sent their children to study in foreign schools, colleges and universities. We can safely say that trade contributed to enrichment not only materially, but also spiritually. Close cooperation with Europe has contributed to the economic development of the city.
Residents of Bansko in 1930
It would be too ambitious to briefly retell the history of the formation of Bansko, because even the exact date of the formation of this amazing city is still unknown and its entire history is a lace of many legends and stories, woven by residents and carefully passed from hand to hand. Many stories are reflected in the pages of books by both local and foreign authors.
"Character" of Bansko
Bansko is multifaceted and many-sided, all 4 types of character are combined together in this compact city, it is choleric in winter, sometimes with snowy, prolonged storms, sometimes with rain, the bright merciless sun and sparkling snow are replaced by lead clouds with a whirlwind and storm, and thick, almost impenetrable the fog falls wearily on the roofs of the houses.
The short winter gives way to spring, nature comes to life and the energetic disposition of the sanguine person comes to the fore, warm days abundantly filled with sun and chirping birds dominate more and more, and despite the stormy changes in mood, notes of inspiration and optimism are in the air.
Towards the end of the lush, rose-smelling spring, the city lazily calms down, its life begins to flow monotonously and leisurely, “bavo” as the Bulgarians would say, only the preparation of firewood by local residents for the upcoming winter season reminds how fleeting time is, after a series of bright summer events, Sharena will come (Bulgarian .), a colorful autumn, which will allow you to fall into a slight melancholy before the start of the new ski season.
Bansko is a bright kaleidoscope of ancient architecture, energetic everyday life and cozy dinners by the fireplace, a unique, strategic location and ideal climatic conditions, intimate conversations with friends over a glass of red wine or aromatic mulled wine, comfortable SPA centers with thermal water and authentic local cuisine, which has similarities with old family recipes of Austro-Hungarian cuisine.
White sport
A paradise, the winter sports capital of the Balkans, Bansko has won the hearts of thousands of tourists - lovers of white sports. The history of the formation of Bansko as a ski resort goes back to 1946. And it all started like this...
Dimitar Sugarev can rightfully be called the first alpine skiing instructor; it was he who initiated the system of practical lessons for teenagers. Later, Dimitar Balev continued the work he started, training all age groups. And in the hands of Georgy Zakhov, spare parts from simple portable elevators found a second life, turning into the first elevator. The state provided assistance: several elevators and snow-compacting equipment were donated to the future prestigious resort in Bulgaria.
Skiers in Bansko, 1940
4 years later, the 1st secretary of the city committee is sent to the Greek city of Delphi with a petition about Bansko’s intention to become the host of the Winter Balkaniada alpine skiing. The ambitious goal of the tourism committee marked the beginning of the history of the development of ski tourism in Bulgaria. After successful negotiations, having mobilized all forces, active work began to prepare the territories for the upcoming event, forests were cut down, elevators were built and installed. It is perhaps a rare resident, probably due to his age, who did not take part in the implementation of such a significant project for the city.
The commitment to spectacular white sport united everyone without exception: athletes, their coaches, volunteers. A few days before the opening of the long-awaited event, the work was successfully completed and the lift lifted its first, eager passengers onto the slopes. The reward for the colossal work was snowfall, which unexpectedly fell in a lush blanket on the slopes and the city, thereby marking the beginning of the formation of the pearl of the Pirin Mountains as a ski resort. What could be more beautiful than snow-white, dazzling domes against a deep blue background?
Modern Bansko
Now the city near Todorka is a modern year-round resort with developed infrastructure, there are comfortable hotels, numerous restaurants, nightclubs and pubs, cozy SPA centers with mineral and thermal waters, as well as taverns, mekhanas ( bolg).
Bansko serves as a venue for summer international music festivals, various cultural and sporting events, concerts, and exhibitions. The rich cultural and historical heritage and a large selection of monuments, of which there are about 140 in the region, explain the increased interest from foreign tourists.
Posters for summer events in Bansko
White sport still remains the hallmark of Bansko; the World Cup in alpine disciplines is held here every year; it is here that the training base is located not only for Bulgarian biathletes, Serbian athletes also choose the snow-white slopes of Bansko to prepare for competitions. This resort, ideally balanced in terms of types of recreation, always welcomes guests from all over the world.