The spa town of Bankya, Bulgaria, is famous for its natural mineral hot springs, which have been used for hundreds of years. Bankya is a good way to see how post-Communist Bulgaria is reworking the past: Once the estate of Communist ruler Todor Zhivkov, it is now a first-class spa for visitors.
Set in the pretty Lyulin Mountains 10 mi/15 km west of Sofia, but officially part of Sofia Municpality, Bankya also has well-preserved Roman ruins, a historic Byzantine monastery, quaint town center and scenic hiking trails.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.