The municipality of Sapareva Banya is situated on the Northern slope of Rila Mountain in Southwestern Bulgaria, just two hours drive from the Capital of Sofia. The municipality contains the popular tourist destinations of the Seven Rila Lakes and the Skakavitza Reserve and Waterfall. As well as the administrative center of Sapareva Banya, 15 kilometers East of Doupnitza, the municipality includes the villages of Saparevo, Resilovo, Ovchartzi and the mountain resort of Panichishte. The municipality proudly shares one third of its territory with Rila National Park, which was established in 1992.

While Sapareva Banya is known for its cool, clean mountain water, it is famous for its unique geothermal mineral water. Here one finds the hottest mineral water in all of Europe (103degrees C) and the only active Geyser in the Balkans.

History of Sapareva Banya

The history of Sapareva Banya has always been linked to the mineral water resources on which it was founded. A civilization known as the "Kremenik" thrived here in Neolithic times (5,500 B.C.). Tools, a grain mill and household items were found during archeological digs carried out in the late 1970's. Later excavations conducted in the 1980's centered round the Roman ruins, which can still be seen near the Sanitorium and in the park garden of the church of St. Nikola in the center of town. The town was an important stop along the Roman road connecting Rome, Greece and the Black Sea. This painting by local painter and historian Vassil Koritarov depicts Sapareva Banya in Roman times when it was known as "Germanea".

Miniral Water SPA Sapareva Banya

Sapareva Banya prides itself in its cool mountain water and its healing geothermal mineral waters. The mineral water is largely sulfuric with significant levels of iron, calcium and manganese. It is the hottest mineral water in the Balkans and produces the only active geyser here as well. The geyser and its surrounding park were developed in 1957 and have been tapped as a geothermal heating source for the municipal buildings and the greenhouses.

The Sapareva Banya Sanitorium/Health Center has been treating patients with diseases of the upper respiratory system, nervous system, bones, joints, and skin for over 50 years. The staff is composed of trained specialists in mud treatments, hot water massage and physical therapy. The Sanatorium complex also contains an outdoor mineral water pool for use during the summer season. Please contact administration at: (0359) 0707 - 22 - 30. or e-mail the Tourism Board directly from the home page.

After a day spent hiking the trails of Northwestern Rila, treat yourself to a bath in the hottest and most therapeutic water in Europe. The Sapareva Banya Mineral Baths have been completely remodeled and are open from 7:00a.m. until 7:00p.m. The baths are divided into men's and women's pools where personal massages are available. A third section offers private baths for family use. Afterwards enjoy a drink in the adjacent city park and pavilion.

Tourism in Sapareva Banya

In recent years the overall focus in Sapareva Banya has been on improving its tourism infrastructure. New sidewalks, trees, cafes and hotels have sprung up in the center and along the main road leading to Panichishte. Sapareva Banya's growth as a Bulgarian mountain resort has been due largely to its proximity to Sofia and its growing opportunities for mountain, ski, religious and spa tourism. Following are some of the restaurant and hotel options available in Sapareva Banya.

Traditions and Festivals

Important festivals in Sapareva Banya are:
Jan. 1st - Kykeri Festival. Large frightening costumes, adorned with horns and bells are worn by dancers. Their loud singing and dancing is believed to bring good fortune for the New Year.
August 15th - The Celebration of the Mother of God. There are two churches and a monastery devoted to the mother of God within the Municipality and all celebrate this day with large pots of stew made by the churches for their parishioners.
40 days before Orthodox Easter - Todorov Day. This is the celebration of Saint Theodore. On this day it is tradition for young men from all of the villages to compete in horse races.
August 19th - The Celebration of the Dunovites. This is the yearly celebration of the followers of Peter Dunov, the Bulgarian Christian spiritualist. Each year hundreds of his followers dress in white, dance in large concentric circles and sing songs praising the Sun and the Earth. Respectful spectators are welcomed.

Sapareva Banya

House in Sapareva Banya

Price: 130 000 EUR    Location: Sapareva Banya Catalogue No: SPB-1722 Perfect House in Sapareva Banya Near ski resort. In spa resort...   learn more

House in Sapareva Banya

Price: 130 000 EUR    Location: Sapareva Banya Catalogue No: SPB-1729   In town. Near mountain. Near ski resort. In spa resort...   learn more

Sapareva Banya - Buy land or house in Bulgaria

Price: starts from 50 EUR    Location: Sapareva Banya Catalogue No: SPB-1705 Sapareva Banya Sapareva Banya...   learn more

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