The Village of Banya

In English the word "Banya" means bath. Banya is situated in the south-west of Bulgaria in a valley among the three big mountains Rila, Pirin and The Rhodopes. The Rila Mountain is the highest in the Balkans.

Banya is only 6 km from Bansko, 7 min to the first gondola, 156 km from Sofia airport and 150 km from Plovdiv airport and 70 km from the Greek border.

Banya has approximately 3,000 inhabitants, 25% of them being young people.

Ruins of interesting archaeological sites from Thracian and Medieval times have been found not far from Banya.

The village is most famous for the hot mineral waters. There are more than 70 mineral springs with an average water temperature of 58 C. Banya is an extremely attractive destination with open-air swimming pools heated with mineral water. There is also the public hot mineral baths with private baths which can be booked for your own use. There are also newly built spa centres in and around Banya. The old bath dates from 1735 and has interesting architecture, it is known as the Roman baths.

(For more information please visit www.baniabg.com)

There are 4 churches in Banya and several small chapels, the biggest church is Sveti Georgi Church which dates from 1834. The interior of the church is of great artistic value and interest.

Local icon-painters, wood-carvers, furniture-producers, masters in weaving traditional textiles and in embroidery work in Banya.

There are a number of folk-restaurants mehanas that are decorated in the old traditional style. They offer delicious specialties of local cuisine which are both delicious and very good value.