Bankya: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Bankya lies at the foot of the Lyulin Mountains at an average elevation of about 700 metres. Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Bankya can then continue their accommodation search. Bankya is a resort associated with relaxation and balneotherapy; there are natural hot springs in Bankya.

Nature and Springs

The natural hot springs at the foot of the Lyulin Mountains formed in volcanic rocks, primarily Upper Cretaceous andesites. The Bankya spring system comprised around 15 springs across an area of approximately 200 square metres. The mineral water is homothermal and has a temperature of 36 Â°C, a pH value of 9.6, and a total mineralisation of 0.28 g/l.

Wellness

The fully restored building of the Royal Bath is a cultural monument. The Great Spa was inaugurated on 24 May 1911. The thermal area of the Royal Bath has mineral-water showers and hydro-massage showers, as well as a relaxation area with warm stone loungers. The wellness area includes steam, aroma-steam, Finnish and herbal saunas, a laconium, and a tepidarium. There are also two hydromassage pools with mineral water heated to 32 Â°C.

Culture

The Great Bath was completed in 1910 based on a design by Munich architect Karl Hocheder and is described as one of Bankya's best-known symbols. The Church of the Martyrs Kirik and Julita was built in 1932. The Vazov Oak was a favourite resting place of the writer Ivan Vazov. In the Verdikal district, archaeological excavations uncovered Roman buildings, walls, sewage systems, and bronze ornaments. Recurring traditions include the traditional Goreshlyatsi celebrations on 15, 16, and 17 July.

Surroundings and Trails

About 7 kilometres from the centre of Bankya lies the Klisura Monastery of Saint Petka. It was founded in the 13th century and is an active convent. The Holy Trinity pilgrimage route also runs through the surrounding area, from the Church of Saints Kirik and Julita in Bankya to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Divotino. The route is about 8 kilometres long, takes approximately two hours, and runs mostly along eco-trails around Bankya.

More local pages: Novi Iskar, Krivina, Bistritsa, Sofia, German, Vladaya, Ivanyane, Pancharevo

To the higher-level travel overview: Sofia.