Situated in the Bulgarian southwest some 90 km from Sofia the town of Kyustendil is a place where antiquity and modernity mingle in a remarkable unity. During the times of the Roman Empire the town was known as Pautalia (an ancient name of Thracian origin meaning a town of thermal springs) and was a favorite place for relaxation of Roman military commanders and leaders who came here after fierce battles to heal their wounds. The ancient Romans were drawn to the place by the healing power of local mineral waters. The temperature of the water in the thermal springs in the region is above 70º Celsius and its healing properties are beneficial for various sufferiings. The town is also attractive as a place preserving the spirit of thousands of years of cultural history. The Roman thermal springs, the medieval churches and the remains of ancient fortresses are part of the town’s surrounding scenery. It is worth visiting one of the local 19th century houses dating back to the National Revival Period. Another landmark is the museum house of Dimitar Peshev who contributed a lot to the saving of the Bulgarian Jews from concentration camps during the Second World War. One of the most visited sights in the resort town is the art gallery of the renowned Bulgarian artist Vladimir Dimitrov, aka The Master, where some of his best works are on display. The clean air and the beautiful landscape draw numerous visitors to this part of Bulgaria.
Mrs. Ukalska, head of Culture and Spiritual Development department with Kyustendil's municipal administration shows us around the town’s most emblematic landmark – the park called Hisarluka. It is a must-see for guests of Kyustendil. Visitors could walk along the so-called Alley of Health, or Alley of Love, and enjoy nature. For animal lovers, the park also has a zoo.

Today Kyustendil is drawing visitors not only with its ancient historical sights, but also with its fast-developing spa tourism. Most local hotels have their own spa centers. А project has been launched for the construction of a regional health center. Considering the healing power of mineral water and the best of specialists available, Kyustendil residents dream of turning their town into the health tourism capital of the Balkans. Apart from its beneficial mineral springs, The Eternal City, as locals lovingly call Kyustendil, is also blessed with mild climate and fertile lands. 

The town organizes numerous celebrations and feasts. Some of them have turned into longstanding traditions and have become well known across the country. Dimitrinka Ukalska told us more about the magic of local holidays:
“The feast called “Kyustendil Spring” is a big event for our town which everyone eagerly looks forward to. We celebrate it on March 21, the day of the spring equinox. All Kyustendil-born people who live in other parts of Bulgaria return to their hometown but we also welcome many guests. In 1966, we started organizing a contest for the most beautiful local girl and give her the title Miss Kyustendil Spring. In June, when the cherry season starts, we have the so-called Feast of the Cherry. Many guests arrive for the folklore festival dedicated to the cherry. Within the space of the three days of the event, the whole town is vibrant with smiling and joyful people. Another interesting feast we have is the Christian feast called Panagia dedicated to paying homage to bread. It is celebrated each year on August 14th. On this day, older women teach young girls how to knead the bread and thus the local traditions are handed down from generation to generation”, says Dimitrinka Ukalska, head of Culture and Spiritual Development department at Kyustendil municipal administration.

Translated by: Rossitsa Petcova