Bankya is a town situated about 10 km west of Sofia. It is renowned for its mineral springs that have been used for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years.
Thanks to its location at the foot of Lyulin Mountain amidst beautiful nature, the climate is exceptionally healthy and mild. The Bankya Residences is situated on top of a hill, adjacent to the state residence built by Todor Zhivkov. The view from the property is simply stunning.
It is easily accessible from Sofia thanks to Bankya’s proximity to Sofia ring road. In 1969 the village of Bankya was proclaimed a town, and from 1979 it became part of Sofia. The former villages of Mihaylovo, Gradoman and Verdical are part of the town, while Klisura and Ivanyane are part of the municipality.
The first people to populate the region of Bankya were Thracian tribes, over 2500 years ago. Archaeological excavations have unearthed remains of Ancient Roman buildings, walls and sewers, and bronze bracelets from the 4th–5th century. Bankya’s economy depends mainly on tourism and balneological treatment.
Places to visit
- Vazov’s Oak, Ivan Vazov’s favourite resting place.
- Church of Martyrs Quiricus and Julietta, built in 1932 and inaugurated by bishop Stephen from Sofia.
- The former presidential residence which was later turned into a country golf club.
- Mineral Baths in Bankya, built in 1907–1910 to the design of Munich architect Carl Hocheder
Lyulin Mountain
Lyulin Mountain is a range of hills in western Bulgaria, located several kilometres west of Sofia. The highest point is Dupevitsa Peak (1,256 m). The Buchino Pass divides the hills into two, a western and an eastern part. Bonsovi Polyani are a popular tourist attraction.The northern slope of the mountain houses the residential districts of Bankya. Dobrinova Skala, another mountain peak
Mineral Springs
The Bankya district is famous for the mineral springs and baths that have been used for medicinal purposes with proved quality for hundreds of years.The water has low mineralization, hypothermal, with a low level of hardness, clean, without a smell, with many pleasant taste qualities, and it is suitable for everyday drinking. The water temperature is 37 ̊ C with a a total capacity of 24l/s. The water is with high alkaline reaction (pH 9,5)
Lyulin Highway
The highway is named after the Lyulin Mountain through which it passes. The largest neighborhood of Sofia from which the highway starts is also named Lyulin, there is also a village of Lyulin around Pernik.The Lyulin motorway was launched on 15 May 2011 and became the first fully operating highway in the country. Its length is around 19 km and runs through mountainous terrain with many…
