Home Land Mineralni Bani Municipality | Haskovo Province | Bulgaria

Mineralni Bani Municipality | Haskovo Province | Bulgaria

17 August 2019

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Mineralni Bani Municipality is in Haskovo Province, south central Bulgaria. The administrative seat is the village of Mineralni Bani. It has been famous as a hot springs resort area since the Roman era.

History

History of Mineralni Bani Municipality

Mineralni Bani Municipality has attracted people since ancient times. An abundance of Thracian remains demonstrates that their tribes were already settled in in the region during the Iron Age. It is estimated that the town of Toplitsos, or Toplika, which means “large stone,” enjoyed a population of over 12,000 people.

The Thracians left behind megalithic stone structures, in particular dolmens and cromlechs, made of large stone blocks, as well as rock hewn cult complexes and other structures including pools and high places with expansive panoramic views.

The tribal affiliation of the creators of these megalithic monuments has not been proven categorically. Archaeological data on the life of the Iron Age Thracian population in these lands are rather scarce. However, The evidence suggests that during this period there was a rather extensive settlement system, consisting of both open small settlements and fortress structures, built mostly on naturally fortified heights.

By the Roman era, Mineralni Bani was well established as a spa resort. The healing effects of the local hot springs continued to attract people to the area. In the 2nd century CE, there were concentrated settlements around the mineral hot springs.

Geography

Geography of Berkovitsa Municipality

Berkovitsa Municipality covers an area of 464 sq km. It is the southernmost municipality of Montana Province. It lies on the northern slopes of the western Balkan mountains, with hilly terrain broken up by streams flowing through its territory. The area is rich in wildlife and vegetation, with blueberries and raspberries filling the stomachs of many a wanderer during long summer afternoons.

There are 20 villages and towns in the municipality with a total population of about 18,000 people. Almost 75% of the population, over 13,000 people, reside in the town of Berkovitsa. Barziya, population 1400, and Zamfirovo, population 1200, are the only other villages of any size. None of the rest rises above 300 souls. They include Balyuvitsa, Bistrilitsa, Bokilovtsi, Borovtsi, Chereshovitsa, Gaganitsa, Komarevo, Kostentsi, Kotenovtsi, Leskovets, Mezdreya, Parlichevo, Pesochnitsa, Rashovitsa, Slatina, Tsvetkova Bara, and Yagodovo.

Economy

Economy of Berkovitsa Municipality

Tourism

Tourism in Berkovitsa Municipality

Berkovitsa offers tremendous opportunities to escape city crowds and wander amidst the great outdoors of the western Balkan mountains. The famous Bulgarian author Ivan Vazov said it best:

Such wonderful nature here! What beauty in this unknown little paradise.

Berkovitsa town is a good starting point for excursions into the mountains and valleys of the municipality. There are over a dozen different marked trails leading to places of interest in the area. Some of the more popular destinations are:

Kom Peak At 2016 m (6614 ft), the highest point in the region. 90 minute walk from Kom Hut. Panoramic views from the starting point of the Kom to Emine trek (European E-3 long distance trail.)
Zdravchenitsa Peak Hike up to the summit at 1176 m (3858 ft). Trails from Berkovitsa town and Chereshovitsa.
Haiydushki Waterfalls Hike beside streams and cascades to reach the waterfalls.
Klisura Monastery A working monastery founded in the 13th century.
Siniya Vir The Blue Pool. A favorite local spot for trout fishing.
Ashiklar Mountain meadows for walking and picnics. Close to Berkovitsa town.
Kaleto Nature Park For outdoor excursions. Roman fortress ruins found on the hill.