Blagoevgrad And Environs   

Blagoevgrad is the largest city in Southwest Bulgaria, located about 90km south of Sofia and famous for its beautiful center. Only a bridge separates Varosha from the center of Blagoevgrad. Narrow cobblestone streets, unique architecture, diverse arts and crafts, and historical monuments welcome residents and guests to the old district of Blagoevgrad. Bachinovo Park is located only 3.5 km away from Blagoevgrad, in the Valley of Bistritsa River.   

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km south of Sofia in the deep valley of Rilska River. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe.   

The Stob Pyramids are located near the village of Stob, in the western approaches of the Rila Mountain next to the Rila Monastery.