Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Bankya, Bulgaria, Europe

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Bankya, Bulgaria, Europe

Bankya is a town and district belonging to the greater Sofia region in Bulgaria, situated around 10 kms away from the downtown Sofia. It is renowned for its natural tourist destinations and balneological treatment. Tourism is the backbone of the economy of Bankya.

Geography of Bankya:

Bankya is positioned at the foot of the Lyulin Mountain between 42°42′ N latitude and 23°8′ E longitude at an elevation of 695 meters.

History of Bankya:

The literal meaning of Bankya is ‘hot spring’ which is derived from the presence of many popular mineral springs. Thracian tribes were the first settlers of Bankya around 2500 years ago. Bankya gained city status in 1969 and became one of the parts of Sofia in 1979.

How to reach Bankya?

Due to its proximity to the capital city, Sofia, Bankya has got good connectivity with the most of the major regions of the country by roadway, railway and airway.

Sofia Airport is located around 24 km from the heart of Bankya operating flights to major European cities such as Moscow, London, Berlin, Athens, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam.

There are regular buses available in Bankya to reach Sofia Airport and neighboring cities. Taxis, rental cars and bikes are additional options for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Bankya:

Bankya is home to many historical sites including palace and churches. Due to the frequent visit of tourists from the different regions of the world, there are several food corners and shops recently established to serve visitors. Tourists can also visit Sofia city for more comfort.

Things to do in Bankya:

Mineral baths
Visiting Historical sites
Spa treatments
Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Bankya:

Mineral Baths:

Mineral Baths in Bankya was established between 1907 and 1910, designed by Munich architect Carl Hocheder. It is the prime attraction of Bankya as it is used for medicinal purposes.

Church of Martyrs Quiricus and Julietta:

Church of Martyrs Quiricus and Julietta was constructed in the year 1932 and Bishop Stephen from Sofia inaugurated it.

Bankya Palace:

Bankya Palace is the historical landmark in Bankya and now it has been converted into a spa hotel.

The former presidential residence:

The former presidential residence in Bankya is an ancient structure and currently it is used as a country golf club.

Other places of interest in and around Bankya include:

Vazov’s Oak
Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski
Ivan Vazov National Theater
Vitosha Mountain
Boyana Church
National Museum of Military History
Saint Nedelja Church
The Rotunda of St George
Museum of Socialist Art
National Opera and Ballet
National Institute of Archaeology with Museum
Saint Sofia Church
Central Sofia Synagogue
Sveta Petka Samardjiyska
National Museum of History

Ideal time to visit Bankya:

From June to September is the best time to travel Bankya while the weather will be more supportive for outdoor activities.

Accommodation options in and around Bankya:

Bankya is home to 3 eminent hotels namely Bankya Palace, Harmony Bankya and Family Hotel Emaly 1 which offer all the modern facilities such as spa, airport shuttle, doctor on call, hot water bath, AC and arrangement of the vehicle. The prominent hotels in Bankya and Sofia (10 km) are listed below: