Sofia District: Nature at Its Finest

Contrary to popular belief, though it borders three sides of the city of Sofia, Bulgaria's Sofia District does not include the city itself. The province has a population of almost 300,000. It is bordered by the Balkan Mountains to the north and Rila to the south. Several smaller mountains and valleys can also be found.

A predominantly mountainous land, the district is rich in caves and mountain resorts. The village of Govedartsi serves as a starting point for the mountain tours. Bulgaria's oldest and largest ski resort, Borovets, is spread over a large area in the eastern part of the Rila Mountain. It was built in 1986 when an official of the nearest town (Samokov) built a mountain resort for his sick wife, hoping to relieve her suffering. It has since developed into a modern ski center. Borovets has more than 45 kilometers of ski runs that vary in difficulty. The runs are grouped into three: Sitnyakovo-Martinov woodsheds, 8 runs; Markudzhik, 4 runs; and Yastrebets, 3. During warmer weather, hikes can be enjoyed in the region. A popular route leads to Moussala Peak, the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula. Though a much smaller resort compared to Borovets, nothing in the whole of Bulgaria can compare to the beauty of Maliovitsa. It is a part of northwestern Rila and rises 1,700 meters above sea level. Maliovitsa is a natural base for alpine sports and is a place known for high-mountain rock climbing and hiking. In the 1950s, the School for Training of Qualified Staff in Mountaineering Sports was established. The school specializes in training mountaineers, hiking guides, and ski instructors, among others. There are several marked hiking intineraries, most notably leading to the Ivan Vazov Chalet, the Strashno Ezero (Frightful Lake), and the Rila Monastery.

Over the centuries, a number of monasteries were built in the province. The St. Trinity monastery in Etropole was built over a lime rock. The Kremikovtsi Monastery is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape. The Pravetz Monastery is a favorite of treasure hunters. In the surrounding areas, the Klisura Monastery St. Petka, Kokalyane Monastery, Osenovlak Monastery, and Godech Monastery can also be found. The historical Trayanovi Vrata can be found between the Mt. Eledzhik and Mt. Golak of Sredna Gora. In this area, Samuil soldiers won an important victory over the Byzantines. The Lakatnik Rocks is the perfect challenge for any climber. The Iskar Gorge has impressed many a visitor. The Elata and Dark Hole Caves can also be found in the area.

Industry also thrives in the Sofia District. There are copper mines in Chelopech, Etropole, and Pirdop. The latter is also the largest copper refinery in Southeastern Europe. Svoge has a thriving industry in food and sugar. Parts and components of machinery are manufactured in Botevgrad, Pravets, Etropole, Elin Pelin, Godech, Slivnitsa, Ihtiman, and Samokov.

Banyas, or curative spas, also abound in the region. The town of Bankya has a balneological center for cardiovascular and pulmonary ailments. The Belchin Banya is known to provide relief for diseases of the joints and bones. Mineral springs with curative properties can also be found in Kostenets Banya and Dolna Banya.

Whether craving for adventure or a taste of history, the Sofia District definitely has it all and more.