What Kyustendil is known for

Nestled at the base of Osogovo Mountain, Kyustendil City is a national and international balneological and tourist hub known for its archaeological and architectural heritage. Serving as a gateway to tourism and skiing, the town attracts visitors with its history, landscapes, therapeutic mineral springs, orchards, and hospitality. Kyustendil, with an 8,000-year settlement history and over 1,900 years of urban tradition, is among Bulgaria's oldest cities. Often referred to as the "city of artists" or "Bulgaria's orchard," Kyustendil offers a range of attractions encompassing historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. Visitors can explore Roman and Turkish baths, medieval fortifications, towers, Renaissance skyscrapers, churches, and mosques. The town also offers an art gallery housing over 1,000 paintings by the Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov, along with numerous works by other artists. Furthermore, Kyustendil's hotels often provide mineral water and spa treatments for those who take an interest in the mineral springs.[9]

The eastern part of the Kyustendil Province is covered by the Rila National Park, which boasts over 120 permanent and 30 temporary glacial lakes, including the Seven Rila Lakes. These lakes are a source of rivers such as the Iskar, Maritsa, and Mesta, supplying water to several communities, including Sofia and neighboring countries. The park features two UN-listed natural reserves and four UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. It is also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park features several hiking and walking trails that often attract tourists seeking outdoor recreation. One of the local hiking trails leading to Malyovitsa Peak is known for its 305-meter north face. The national park also features trails leading to the aforementioned Seven Rila Lakes. However, the national park isn't visited solely for its natural attractions but also for its historical landmarks, as it houses the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Rila Monastery, founded by St. John of Rila in 907, holds historical significance, as some considered it to be pivotal in Bulgaria's spiritual and social life. While fire devastated the complex in the 19th century, it was reconstructed between 1834 and 1862. Rila Monastery's impact on culture, religion, and architecture extended throughout the Ottoman Empire.[10]

Another natural landmark within the borders of Kyustendil Province is the Stob Pyramids, located near the village of Stob. Designated as a natural landmark in 1964, these sandstone formations cover an area of 7.4 hectares. The pyramids, with heights ranging from 6 to 12 meters, feature diverse shapes, ranging from pointed and needle-like to round formations with sandstone "hats" resembling mushrooms. They are mostly found on the south slope, displaying colors ranging from yellow to red. Many formations have their own names, such as "The Towers," "The Hammers," and "The Wedding Couple." Visitors can hike along an ecological trail for an aerial view or follow the motor road along a stream. The Tourist Center in Stob offers guides and brochures in multiple languages, making it accessible for tourists from different backgrounds. Additionally, the pyramids provide a panoramic view of the Rila Valley and the snow-capped mountain peaks, including the previously noted Rila Monastery.[11]

Geography

Kyustendil region is characterized by diverse topography, featuring fertile valleys, canyons, hills, and mountains. In the north and west lies the Kyustendil Cornerland, encompassing parts of Milevska, Chudinska, Zemenska, and Konyavska mountains. To the south, it extends to the Dragovishtitsa and Bistritsa river valleys, along with the Lisets Mountain. The southern part comprises the Osogovo, Vlahina, and northwestern Rila mountains, including the Kamenitsa, Kyustendil, and Dupnitsa lowlands. Kyustendil can be divided into two sub-districts: Kyustendil in the west and Dupnitsa in the east. Notable geographic areas within Dupnitsa include Gorno Pole, Dolno Pole, and Razmetanitsa. Kyustendil area as a whole features resources such as granite, clay, fossils, and ores. However, the region is mainly known for its mineral springs, including hot mineral water sources in Kyustendil, Sapareva banya, Nevestino, and Chetirtsi. The primary drainage river in Kyustendil Province is the Struma, accompanied by its tributaries. Subterranean water levels are relatively high, with a 70-meter-high waterfall near Kamenichka Skakavitsa village. Additionally, several artificial lakes are used for irrigation purposes, including Dyakovo, Bersin, Drenov dol, and Bagrentsi. The local soil composition is suitable for fruit cultivation. Deciduous and coniferous forests cover some parts of the region, with the Gabra natural reservation housing black-pine trees, reportedly the last of its kind.[4]

In the eastern part of the Kyustendil Province, stretching across the borders is the Rila National Park, which is part of the European ecological network "Natura 2000." The park reportedly contains approximately 60 mountain and highland habitats, making up about 15% of Bulgaria's total habitats.[5] Rila National Park's biodiversity is shaped by the last glaciation during the Würm period, resulting in various glacial landforms and distinct conditions for mushrooms, plants, and animals. The Pleistocene cooling introduced cold-resistant northern species, primarily in higher altitudes, preserving Tertiary flora and fauna in the upper parts of Rila. However, the modern flora continued developing post-glaciation, with beech and spruce species growing during the warmer Atlantic period. Thus, the park encompasses various biotopes, including 29 natural habitats of European and national conservation significance, divided into forest, grassland, scrub, rocky, and freshwater ecosystems.[6] Furthermore, Rila stands as a haven for fauna in Bulgaria and Europe, housing an array of habitats that host several animal species. The park is home to 2,934 invertebrate species, including 242 endemics and 244 remnants from ancient times. Among these, 13 face global extinction threats. Vertebrate fauna encompasses 5 fish species, 20 amphibians and reptiles, 99 bird species, and 48 mammals. To name some of the local species, there are wild goats, grouses, pinnipeds, goldfinches, brown bears, and wolves.[7]

Kyustendil Province's climate varies from transcontinental to mountainous at higher altitudes.[4] In Kyustendil, moderate weather conditions can be anticipated during June and September, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. Conversely, the coldest month is typically January, with an average maximum temperature of 3°C.[8]

History

In the 5th-4th centuries BC, a Thracian settlement was established in the area that now comprises the modern town of Kyustendil. Known as Pautalia in antiquity, the town was situated in the Dentheletica district. Historical evidence suggests that Pautalia's location corresponds to present-day Kyustendil. Coins from Pautalia depict a river-god figure named "Strymon," coinciding with the town's placement near the sources of the Strymon River. These coins also feature inscriptions such as "En. Paio," indicating that the inhabitants identified themselves as Paeonians, similar to other communities along the river. Additionally, some coins alluded to the town's resources, including gold, silver, wine, and grain. Later, the city's area was called Pautalia. In the 1st century AD, Pautalia fell under Macedonian administration and later became part of the province of Dacia Mediterranea, ranking as the third-largest city within the province. The Roman fortress of Pautalia, dating from the 2nd to the 4th century, covered an expansive area of approximately 29 hectares. Recent excavations have unveiled an early Christian and late Roman bishop's palace in the region.[1]

Over the years, Barbarian threats led to the construction of the Hisarluka fortress in the 5th century, which remained in use until the 15th century. The town later became known as Velbuzhd, supposedly named after a local leader. Its incorporation into the Bulgarian state likely occurred around the early 9th century, possibly during Khan Krum's rule. Following Christianization, Velbuzhd became an Episcopal center. During Byzantine rule, extensive monasteries were established, linked to Bulgarian saints such as Ivan Rilski and Yoakim Osogovski. Later, under Delianovtsi's rule, Velbuzhd became the capital of the Velbujzhd principality but eventually lost its independence. In the late 14th century, it fell under Ottoman dominion and was renamed Konstantin-ill, later changed into Kyustendil. The local population resisted Ottoman rule at the time.[2]

Kyustendil has evolved from its origins as an Ottoman marketplace into an industrial hub focusing on carpet production. Today, the town has factories dedicated to woolens, fruit canning, vegetable oils, and packaging. Additionally, it utilizes hothouses to cultivate early vegetables, with the local mineral springs providing heat for these facilities and catering to the needs of nearby sanatoriums. Kyustendil is often referred to as "Bulgaria's orchard" due to its proximity to extensive orchards and vineyards, and it is home to a fruit-growing research institute, contributing to the region's agricultural development and prosperity.[3]