ROUTES IN BLAGOEVGRAD

The starting point of this classic tour is Arena Park, located along the Bistrica River. Arena Park is a small green strip along the river with a mini bike park, skate park and playgrounds. Across the river is the American University campus. Walking against the current of the river, you reach the end of the park, at James Boucher Street and the bridge over the Bistrica River. 

Cross the bridge diagonally and you will find the Municipal Market - the largest in the area. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday, regardless of the season, it is colorful and crowded. Outside you may see live stock for sale, chickens, turkeys, etc., inside you will always find all kinds of seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts, cheese, eggs. The outer part of the market is currently being renovated, but on market days the covered areas are available to farmers who come from the surrounding villages (sometimes from further afield) and sell their produce here. 

A Pedestrian Bridge crosses the river between the open and closed part of the market. Cross it and if you need a short break, you can grab a quick bite at PolCa, a favorite place for coffee, a sandwich or hot soup among students. If you prefer to sit in a restaurant for longer, continue downstream on the right hand side and you will reach the recently opened Italian restaurant RB Kitchen. 

Fortified with a dose of vitamins and having crossed the Pedestrian Bridge on the other side of the market, your path passes the City Art Gallery (the entrance is not from the street and you might not notice it immediately), where you can make a short stop. In our Events Calendar you will find up-to-date information about exhibitions. A few meters further is Courthouse Square, in recent times also called the square in front of Billa. This is where Main Street begins, but we suggest heading northwest (past the green areas) to the City Garden, which will take you to the gem of communist architecture - G. Izmirliev Square - Makedoncheto or the so-called Theater Square. The entire architectural complex was built on the occasion of the visit of the diplomatic corps to Blagoevgrad in the late 1980s. Here is the building of the former Party House, today housing part of the American University, Southwestern University, the Regional Library and the Peyo Yavorov Concert Hall (up-to-date information on events can be found in the Events Calendar). In the neighborhood are the buildings of the Drama Theater, the Municipality, the Regional Administration and the Post Office. The entire architectural complex was built on the occasion of the visit of the diplomatic corps to Blagoevgrad in the late 1980s. 

Continuing along the pedestrian street, which makes a right turn, you will find yourself at one of the newer buildings in the center, MALL Largo, from the top floor of which there is a nice view of the surroundings. Along several parallel streets to the north, you can reach the next important place in the city - Macedonia Square or Opera Square. At one end of it is the beautiful Bridge of Lovers, and at the other a small green park with the next landmark - the Old Mineral Bath. Today, the largest part of the building has been converted into a hotel with a spa center, and the other part houses the City Bath and Rehabilitation Center. 

You are already in the center of Blagoevgrad and if you are hungry, you have many options for a delicious meal or just a rest in a cafe. 

Cross the Bridge of Lovers and you will find yourself in front of the Regional History Museum and at the beginning of the Old Town of Varosha. In fact, these are only a few small streets and revival houses from the 19th century, and not a whole city, but the feeling of walking on the cobblestones and inhaling the aroma of old wood will take you back to the time of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the church Presentation of the Virgin and view the "Wheel of life", located outside the church outside, to the left of the entrance. 

If you want to see Blagoevgrad from above, go up the stairs at the Regional History Museum and you will find yourself in the Hunting Park - here it is green, cool and offers wonderful views. At the northern end of Varosha, on Zora Street, you can support yourself with something sweet from the Yoana pastry shop. 

 Here you will find information about the tour soon, please visit us again soon! Mihi quidem Antiochum, quem audis, satis belle videris attendere. Hanc igitur quoque transfer in animum dirigentes. Tamen a proposito, inquam, aberramus. Non igitur potestis voluptate omnia dirigentes aut tueri aut retinere virtutem. Mihi quidem Antiochum, quem audis, satis belle videris attendere. Hanc igitur quoque transfer in animum dirigentes. Tamen a proposito, inquam, aberramus. Non igitur potestis. 

• Distance: about 4 km
• Walking time: about 1-2 hours. 

Here you will find information about the tour soon, please visit us again soon! Mihi quidem Antiochum, quem audis, satis belle videris attendere. Hanc igitur quoque transfer in animum dirigentes. Tamen a proposito, inquam, aberramus. Non igitur potestis voluptate omnia dirigentes aut tueri aut retinere virtutem. Mihi quidem Antiochum, quem audis, satis belle videris attendere. Hanc igitur quoque transfer in animum dirigentes. Tamen a proposito, inquam, aberramus. Non igitur potestis. 

• Distance: about 4 km
• Walking time: about 3-4 hours.