Useful and Interesting Information About Velingrad
Short History of Velingrad
Various discoveries in our region give us reason to believe that the Chepinski region was inhabited by Thracian tribes as early as the 6th century BC. The first traces we find are from the Bessi tribe. Burial mounds, walls from villages and fortresses have been discovered. The ancient Thracians have left us many burial mounds. Seven of them are in the Batashko Swamp, but they are now at the bottom of a lake. Two mounds are in the Yundola area. There are many more scattered around the vicinity. Ruins from Thracian settlements and fortresses can be seen in “Pechkovets.” This area is located at the foot of the Tsepina fortress. Fragments of Thracian pottery and ancient tools of labor have been found here. Read more about the history of Velingrad.
Paleontology Museum
The story of the museum’s creation is quite interesting. In the previous century, the residents of the village of Dokrovo discovered large bones while building their houses. They claimed that these bones were larger than those of buffalo. Local teacher Manol Cholev finally drew attention to them in the 1960s. In 1985, an expedition from Sofia University arrived, and later, a French team of paleontologists joined the effort. The most famous specimen in the museum is the Overski Mastodon, which is a species of mammoth that inhabited Europe around 20,000 years ago. You can visit even more amazing location when you rent a car in Velingrad.
Batkun Monastery
The monastery was built in the middle of the 13th century during the rule of the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. The building was restored in 1962, but in 1774, it was destroyed by the residents of Kardzhali. At the end of the 19th century, the holy sanctuary was reconstructed, and a new monastery church was built. It is a single-nave, single-apse church without a dome. Right next to it, there is a beautiful bell tower. The monastery includes a room adorned with frescoes. The famous Bulgarian artist Stanislav Dospeski lived in this room, where he painted four icons and two portraits during his stay.
High Mountain Sports Complex “Belmeken”
To find suitable sports activities, you’ll need to travel a bit outside of Velingrad. Approximately 20 kilometers away or a 10-15 minute drive with a rental car, there is a sports complex where various activities take place. There is parking available as well. If you’re into mountain sports, you can practice mountain biking, orienteering, skiing, and more here. Enjoy the fresh mountain air up in the highlands.
Grand Hotel “Velingrad”
Welcome to Grand Hotel “Velingrad.” A very special place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and treatment. Take advantage of the two complimentary medical examinations, one upon arrival and one before you leave. This doctor will tell you exactly what you need to do. It is possible that they will recommend physiotherapy, balneology, or various procedures with mineral baths. If you decide to stay at the hotel, there are a variety of entertainment options and activities for both adults and children.
Lake “Kleptuza”
The lake is a symbol of the town of Velingrad and is named “Kleptuza,” which originates from the Greek word “κλέπτω” (klepto), meaning “to hide,” due to the large reservoir of underground water beneath it. It is the largest karst spring in Bulgaria, where underground waters emerge on the surface. The area, covering about 400 hectares, has been declared a protected area. Here, more than 280 plant species thrive, with 260 of them having medicinal properties and a positive impact on health.
- Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 18:00
- Sun: Closed
Phone
+359884445055
Location Fees
- Pick-Up: 45 EUR
- Return: 45 EUR
- Early Pick-Up: 70 EUR
- Late Return: 70 EUR