Asenovgrad
The town of Asenovgrad has a population of 54,778 inhabitants. It is the city with the most churches per capita in the country, close to Plovdiv at one of the entrances of Rhodope Mountains, famous for its Mavrud and Pamid red wine.
Understand
It is located 170 km east of Sofia, 20 km south of Plovdiv.
History
Get in
By bus
Buses go between depart from Plovdiv's "Rhadopi" bus station in the south of the city at least twice an hour normally, mostly on route to Smolyan or Kardzhali. See Bulgaria#By bus 2 for approximate timetables.
Get around
See
The Castle of Asen, also known as Asenovgrad Krepost, is a medieval fortress in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, 2–3 km south of the town of Asenovgrad proper, on a high rocky ridge on the left bank of the Asenitsa River. Very worth seeing although a bit hard to access. There is no evidence of public transit and it requires a 30-40 minute walk from the city proper. Admission is free.
Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria after Rila Monastery. Significantly more developed that Rila, it has less of a serine atmosphere, however it is very beautiful and is much worth a visit. Getting there is extremely easy, as buses on the route Plovdiv-Smolyan stop in both Asenovgrad and Bachkovo. Tell the driver you are going to the monastery (simply saying "Bachkovo Manastir" should do the trick) and he may drop you off right in front. As of September 2012 the journey cost 2 лв.
Do
Buy
Eat
- 1 Vito Bar & Dinner, ul. Treti Mart 9, ☏ +359 88 950 4594. Restaurant situated next to a river. Offers lunch, dinner and brunch. Vegetarian options available.
- 2 Restaurant Salasha, Asen’s Fortress, ☏ +359 89 666 2557, restorantsalasha@abv.bg. M closed, Tu-Su 11ː00-1ː00. BBQ restaurant located close to the Arsen's Fortress. Offers a wide variety of meat, which is cooked on charcoal.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Old Times, ul. Kiril i Medodii 16, ☏ +359 87 868 6876, reception@hoteloldtimes.com. Located in the old part of the town. It consists of two ancient buildings which are monuments of the Bulgarian culture. Restaurant and free WiFi available. 48 lv per night for a single room, 58 lv per night for a double room.