History of Bansko

The town of Bansko has both historical and tourist value. The town rose up on its present location around 9-10th centuries after the formation of the adjacent quarters of Bansko. In the middle of 18th century Bansko was a big and rich settlement developing crafts and trade. The caravans of Bansko traders travelled from the Aegean to Middle Europe transporting tobacco, cotton, precious goods, gold.

Bansko lived its "Golden Age" in the second half of 18th century and the beginning of 19th century when it reached economic and cultural peak: The art school of Bansko was established: the disciples of the school added many secular and historical subjects; a monastery school and a comprehensive school were opened.

However, the Napoleon wars against Austria and the opening of the water way on the Danube put an end to its growth. In the middle of 19th century the economy of the town suffered decay. According to the resolutions of the Berlin Agreement Bansko was left within the boundaries of the Turkish Empire and its inhabitants actively participated in the consequent rebellions - Kresna-Razlog rebellion (1878-1879) and the Ilinden- Preobrazhenie rebellion (1903). The town was liberated from the Turkish rule on 5th October 1912 (the Balkan war).

Bansko is the native place of the titans of the Bulgarian Revival period Paisii Hilendarski and Neofit Rilski. Interesting sights: First of all this is the Sveta Troitsa (St. Trinity) church (the biggest and the richest in the region of Pirin), its construction was completed in 1835; it strikes the viewer with beautiful frescoes and woodcarvings made by Master Ousta Velyan Ognev. The most outstanding representative of the Bansko art school - Dimitar Molerov, decorated the icons. The size of the temple is impressive; too big for that time. A 30 meter high stone tower rises up in the yard of the church (built by Master Grigor Doyuv in 1850) with a belfry and a clock made by Todor Hadjiradonov and installed in 1869. It is located in the centre of the town behind a tall stone fence.