This quaint ski resort town is 60 mi/100 km south of Plovdiv and 155 mi/250 km southeast of Sofia in the lovely Rhodope Mountains. It can be seen on a long day trip from Plovdiv, though an overnight stay is recommended.
At 3,310 ft/1,009 m, Smolyan is Bulgaria's highest town and is set against a beautiful backdrop. The town has a historical museum that contains excellent regional ethnographic exhibits and an art gallery showcasing modern Bulgarian art.
Smolyan also offers a planetarium, Rhodope Dramatic Theatre and several good examples of Bulgaria's National Revival architecture.
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