Samokov is a small town in the Southwestern part of Bulgaria with a rich history of at least six centuries.
It is indeed quite a colorful place with old buildings, museums, parks, even an art gallery. The town is also famous for its musical concerts that take place in its big sports hall. As the town is only a few tens of kilometers from the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia, these musical events usually attract a significant number of viewers and participants too.
For me, personally, Samokov is a wonderful place for a short or not-so-short walks as I find the air there very clear and also there was a small family-run hotel with a restaurant serving probably the best apple pie and roasted pork knuckle, dishes that are more popular in Germany, probably, but here they were just perfectly delicious! I am using the past tense here as, unfortunately, on that last visit, the restaurant was not operational. Too bad!
If I have to use only one word to describe that town, it would be "beautiful".
I even found a stone plate, having that word in Bulgarian:
"Krasivo"
Beautiful, indeed, it is.
In the past, the power of the running river water has been utilized a lot, mainly to forge metals, coming from the many mines around. A town, build around river, is always beautiful. I guess I enjoyed the tranquility of the central park near the river a lot, because I forgot to take photos of it, LOL :)
What also impressed me here is the fact there are churches and mosques, coexisting in close proximity and I believe that places where people of different religions coexist peacefully, are always more beautiful.
Check out the beautiful mosque and the water spring near it:
Plenty of medieval details have been well preserved here:
I really like a lot those wooden fences the old Bulgarians had been putting up by using thin tree branches. They look really beautiful, don't they?
Only a few minutes away on foot is one of the beautiful churches of Samokov:
With its amazing wall and ceiling decorations and tall bell tower, I was happy to hear its bells ringing while visiting the inside of the church.
Our walk continues by foot to visit another church of the town, this time located on top of one of the hills around. Passing those warm autumn streets, like the first photo above, and enjoying some lovely natural frames:
Here it is, waiting for us on that windy hill:
What a view! With those ancient granite and marble tombstones at the church yard of the holy people serving the local community:
Walking around was such a special experience, paying some respect and gratitude.
On our way back to our car, parked at Samokov down town, we passed by the art gallery, where I was surprised to find out they have an annual photographic competition, named after a great photographer, called Atanas Karastoyanov:
Such a great way to spend a day of the weekend, not only enjoying the beauty of the town, but also learning some new things about Samokov, this treasure-town!
Here is its Wikipedia page just in case you would like to read more official info about it in English, there are also eight other language versions as well: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samokov
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Is it just me or are there really no people around?
And yet, the photos do not convey a sense of abandonment. On the contrary. Not only because this beauty cannot be abandoned. It rather gives the feeling of calmness. This tranquility that can only be experienced in small towns. And in special small towns at that.
A real Treasure of Europe!
Thank you! ♥️
Thank you :) My pleasure :)
!PIZZA
Years ago, when I lived in the capital, I knew people born there who had settled in this small town and said they would never leave it and return to the capital. Then I was very surprised at their decision. But look at this! Such an epic fall walk you had in this beautiful and peaceful place! I would say that every single building in this city center is a work of art. And not only do people of different religions coexist peacefully together here, but the temples they have built are extremely beautiful.
Thank you for your awesome contribution and this wonderful Treasure of Europe!
Absolutely! :)
My pleasure and thank you for your motivational and inspiration words!
!PIZZA
!gif thanks a lot
Via Tenor
Wow that is a really cool place my friend thanks for sharing have an awesome one😎
@lightcaptured !ALIVE
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Thanks a lot, Ben, it really is :)
Have a !PIZZA :)
Very decorative !LUV it
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Smalls towns have something that makes them special, it May be the feeling like they are frozen in time... or the warm of the People that live in it. Everyone knows each other, well and the end the conjuction of everything makes it special
Nowadays I live in a village (in Hungary, which is also in Europe). I lived in two villages in the recent past. The first village is smaller (around 200 people), the second is bigger (around 1400-1500 people), and I indeed feel the warmth (the kindness and helpfulness) of multiple people, and one the smaller village is frozen in time in a way that you cannot use bank card in the local store. Only cash.
That sounds tranquil!
I'd say you've met some good people! :)
I guess that wouldn't surprise you but in Eastern and Southeastern Europe there are plenty of places that don't accept cards yet. I've asked a few why, that's because the banks who provide the devices ask for too big fees. This observation is based on my travels in Greece, Bulgaria and partly Serbia and Romania.
Another example with exactly the opposite experience - I made a full circle around Iceland, driving on their Road #1 and having spent eight nights there. Some parts of that major road are gravel but I didn't have to use cash at all, even at the most wild places I've stopped :)
Wow just imagine that!!! and at least you have banks in there? or then how do you withdraw cash?
There are ATMs in the nearby city (in Szolnok) (approximately 40 km away from the village, in which I currently live).
That's a little far away... but is something needed.. why you livere there? Smallers expenses? Is something temporal? For work?
Much smaller. I would not be able to afford living in the city with my pension-like income, which is approximately only $250 USD per month.
i understand, intelligent from you part to do it... that plus hive incomes you should live at least happy jejeje
These are some of the pros, indeed :)
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Thanks a lot! :)
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Seems it hasn't changed a lot since I've been there in winter 2005/2006. One of many great memories from Bulgaria!
True :) This places don't change as quickly as the big cities...
Glad to hear you have great memories :)
!PIZZA
What a lovely place to explore! Fascinating structures and beautiful landscape views.. great way to spend the weekend :) Thank you for sharing your experience with us :) Happy week ahead!
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Thanks so much for stopping by and appreciating my story! :)
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