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The town of Bansko (9,000 residents) is situated in Southwestern Bulgaria, at the foothills of one of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains - Pirin, which is a national reserve, included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage. Ski resort of national significance, much visited also in summer as a starting point for excursions in the mountain.
The newest Bulgarian winter resort, Bansko provides an interesting combination between the virgin nature of the Pirin Mountain and the atmosphere of the ancient Bulgarian town.
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Here the old lives hand in hand with the new, where the modern centre gives off onto small cobbled streets with timber framed houses sheltering behind stout double doors.
At the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the houses look almost like monasteries - just as austere and inaccessible, with high stone walls and small latticed windows.
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The true Bulgarian spirit is hidden behind the solid walls and heavy gates - in the spacious rooms with friezes and bay windows, carved ceilings and doors, pretty rugs and embroidered cushions.
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The town flourished as a trade and crafts center during the National Revival Perod (18th - 19th centuries), when the Bansko merchants traded between the Aegean and Central Europe.
During that time Bansko also established itself as a center of culture and enlightment.
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The Bansko School of Painting was one of the best in the Bulgarian lands during the 18th - 19th centuries.
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The Bansko artists who worked along the Mesta and Struma river valleys, broke the established canons and introduced secular and historic themes to church painting, besides also painting portraits.
The iconostasis in the Holy Trinity Church (1832-35) in the town center is a fine example of this art.
The collection of icons painted by Bansko masters is certainly worth visiting. The Church of the Holy Trinity is the largest and richest in mural paintings in the Pirin mountains region. Its tower and belfry are the symbol and pride of Bansko.
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What one remembers forever are the melodious Bansko male singing, the heavy red wine and delicious culinary temptations.
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Links with useful information
for visitors with special interests in Bansko:
Ski property in Bansko
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