Discover Samokov through its craft history. At the Historical Museum, the exhibition “Samokov – Spirit and Metal” traces the history of ironworking and crafts. Archaeological finds are displayed alongside working models of furnaces and mechanical hammers. This combination draws attention both to archaeological evidence and to the technical processes involved in metalworking.
The museum also showcases crafts from the Bulgarian National Revival period: goldsmithing, pottery, coppersmithing and the working of semi-precious stones. Examples and tools are part of the display. In this way, different materials and techniques are presented side by side, without allowing ironworking to overshadow the other trades.
Churches and a Monastery as Historical Landmarks
The Metropolitan Church was built in 1712 as a single-nave church and served as the seat of the Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Samokov. Belyova Church is considered the city’s oldest Christian church; it stands on the foundations of a late antique basilica dating from the 4th to the 6th century. Samokov thus brings together a dated 18th-century church building and the earlier history of a late antique basilica.
The Samokov Convent is an authentic architectural ensemble from the 18th and 19th centuries and was founded in 1772. Historically, the community devoted itself to spinning and weaving and ran a girls’ school. Archaeological evidence in the municipality also reaches far back in time, including early Christian churches and fortresses from the 4th century, as well as a Thracian burial mound.
Fortress and History near Belchin
Near Belchin, Tsari Mali Grad brings together a medieval church and an ethnographic complex with an ancient fortress. Construction of the fortress began during the reign of Emperor Valens. The site thus brings together different historical themes in one place: church architecture, ethnographic displays and the construction history of a fortress.
Tsari Mali Grad is accessible by car. Visitor facilities also include a panoramic train, access for people with disabilities, guided tours in Bulgarian and English, and an audio guide. The train may be closed in severe weather, so check in advance whether it will be running during your visit.
Mountain Scenery and Trails
The tourist appeal of Samokov Municipality includes mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, mineral water and a preserved cultural and historical heritage; these resources contribute to tourism throughout the year. The Rila landscape offers opportunities for hiking, trekking and mountaineering, including routes towards the Seven Rila Lakes, Malyovitsa Hut and Musala Peak.
Outdoor activities in Samokov Municipality also include mountaineering, hang gliding, sailing, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. The options therefore span land, water and air, in addition to hiking and mountaineering.
For trails and recreation in pine forests, Rido Park near Samokov offers paths, a football field, a roller-skating track and the Rido motocross track. The LAGO Eco Trail offers a different experience: it starts at the Tourist Garden in southern Samokov, heads towards Borovets along the eastern bank of the Iskar, and includes benches and bridges. The park trails, with their various recreational facilities, thus offer a contrast to a riverside route.
The rural side has its own character too: tourism in the surrounding villages is associated with traditional cuisine, local customs and village traditions. This perspective complements the urban history of crafts and churches with food and local culture.
Discover more destinations: Beli Iskar, Mariza, Madzhare, Govedartsi, Relyovo, Shiroki Dol, Belchin, Yarlovo, Gorni Okol, Borovetz, Mala tsarkva.
See the main travel overview: Sofia Province / Sofia.
