The History of Bansko
The site where Bansko lies today has a long history which dates back for thousands of years. Over the centuries, the area has been the domain of the historical banskoThracians, the Romans, the Byzantines and the Slavs. The area in and around Bansko is rich with archaeological and historical sites that help us to understand more.
The facts speak for themselves
Approximately 4 km from Bansko, the ancient fortresses of Staroto Gradishte can be seen along with Thracian tumuli (hill mounds) which testify to the presence of Thracian tribes in the area before the arrival of the Romans. In fact, archaeological excavations near Dobrokyovistsa have uncovered artefacts dating as far back as 200BC. The Holy Trinity Church (Sveta Troitsa) in Bansko, which was built 172 years ago, is located on the site of what historians believe was once a medieval encampment.
The Golden Era
The 18th and 19th centuries were a Golden Era in Bansko and brought prosperity to the Bansko Old Town Church Sveta Troitsa (The Holy Trinity) Churchtown. As a centre on the route between the Aegean Sea and Western Europe, Bansko became a trade centre rich in tobacco, gold, and other valuable trade goods. During this time, many of the current Bansko institutions and schools were established.
A shadow is cast
The Napoleonic Wars placed a damper on Bansko's growth and when the Danube River began operating as an economic transport passage, the boom in Bansko came to an end. At the end of the 19th, the area around Bansko fell under Turkish rule and the area was the site of degradation and rebellion until it was finally liberated in October, 1912 with the start of the First Balkan War.
The cold years
Bansko old town door stone wallWorld Wars I and II brought further upheaval to Bansko and Bulgaria in general. The Great Depression hit the area hard. In 1946, Bulgaria became known as the People's Republic of Bulgaria and despite the town's popularity as a soviet ski get-away, external travel to Bansko was largely limited.
A boom again
In 1990, Bulgaria held free elections for the first time since communism began and things slowly started to change in the country. Economic and social reform followed. On January 1, 2007, Bulgaria joined the EU. Since then, development in Bansko has been booming again. The second golden era has truly arrived.
