What to see The Church of Sveta Troitsa This 19th Century building is set in beautiful gardens behind a large stone wall that runs the circumference of the area. This wall was erected to conceal the size the church, which was built over 5 times the allowed size, as set by the Ottoman ruler. Unfortunately the Mare of Bansko was jailed when the true size was discovered. Inside the church are many fascinating treasures from the period, paintings, sculptures and icons; evidence of the many famous artists that once resided in Bansko and contributed to the church’s prosperity. At this time it was common for the Bulgarian elite to show their fortune by building churches and this is one of Bulgaria’s finest.   The Neofit Rilski House Museum This museum was built during the second half of the 18th century and has a pretty courtyard and veranda and contains the writings (Bulgaria only) and pictures depicting the life of Neofit Rilski. Born in Bansko in 1793, he was the son of a local priest. At first it seemed he would join one of the local icon-painting schools, until he visited the Rila monastery. He was so attracted to Monastic life; he went on to become one of the great scholars of his age. He translated the New Testament into Bulgarian and also compiled an immense Greek to Bulgarian dictionary that took a whole life time to complete. Neofit believed greatly in the value of education and founded two nationally renowned schools as well as promoted Western teaching methods in schools.   The Pirin Sings Folk Festival This 2 day festival is set 10km’s outside of Bansko in the beautiful countryside of Predel and is usually held on the Saturday and Sunday nearest to August 15th. The action takes place on a number of stages, each one dedicated to different part of southwest Bulgaria. It has a wonderful laid back atmosphere with plenty to eat, listen to, and take part in. It is one of Bulgaria’s most popular folk festivals, and once experienced it’s easy to understand why. Bansko Jazz Festival This highly popular festival takes place each August and is internationally renowned. It usually takes places from the 8th to the 13th and is one of Bulgaria’s largest and most prestigious music events. Artists from all over the world join with Bulgaria’s top Jazz musicians and play to the crowds at the menu venues used for this event. A large stage is erected in the town square, where thousands congregate to party. Local nightclubs are also used and food stands are erected throughout the town. If you like Jazz music, we recommend you join the celebrations, as this is something not to be missed.     Surrounding Areas If you are staying in Bansko long enough to take in some sites, we would really recommend that you visit some of the villages that surround the area. Razlog, 6km’s northeast of Bansko, is an old market town with shops, bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the bustling local market which is held every Monday. Dobrinishte is a picturesque village a few kilometres east of Bansko. Its main industries are cattle breeding, lumbering and woodcarving. There are many attractions including; outdoor pools that are fed by hot mountain springs where you can bathe, the Church of Petâr i Pavel and a beautiful garden of edelweiss flowers. There are also many walks and hikes to be undertaken in this beautiful area.