Introducing Samokov
You have to pass Samokov, 62km southeast of Sofia, to reach Borovets ski resort, and indeed most of the locals employed at Borovets do seem to live here. It’s a small and somewhat gritty town, with history but few sites, though the Borovets expansion projects will bring Samokov closer to the action and, hopefully, smarten it up a bit.
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In the 14th century, Samokov became a centre for iron mining. Five centuries later, the Samokov School of Icon Painting and Woodcarving brought the town cultural fame; soon thereafter it became known for some eccentric political ideas when the local council established the famous but ultimately unsuccessful Samokov Commune (1910–12). As Bulgaria’s first socialist organisation, the commune sought to improve workers’ rights and education.
Samokov’s foreign exchange offices are near the bus station, which contains food, and even clothing shops.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Some specific questions relating to Rila and Pirin
by gogan 29 August 2011
Hi, I and a small group of 3 people will be doing a trekking in Bulgaria. Combined with some good book guides and the internet, we manage…
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Re: Plovdiv to Rila Monastery without car
by karavansarays 03 August 2011
Hi Keith, well, going the other way to Rila monastery is the better option:)) You still need to plan at least one overnight stop. There…
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Re: Bus from Sofia to Borovets
by kitiyoda 19 July 2011
If you want to use public bus transportation from Sofia to Samokov, you need to get to the small Avtogara Yug (South Bus Station) in Sofia.…
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