Samokov –"The White Gate of Rila" is situated at 950 m altitude above the sea-level in the foothills of the highest mountains on the Balkans.
The name Samokov is a coded sign for the history of the place, its origin and growth near the huge facilities for getting iron ‘samokovi’.

History of the town – the first records for the town are from 15th century. During the Bulgarian National Revival, it is one of the largest cities in the Bulgarian territories. In fact, its citizens contributed a lot to the cultural growth and the Enlightenment in 18th and 19th centuries. The Art Academy of Samokov was set up then.
Up to nowadays, the town has kept a lot of cultural monuments that combine the spirit of Bulgarian National Revival and modern trends in Architecture.

Should see:
The Big Fountain
The Bairakli Mosque
The Historical Museum of Samokov
The Community Centre – monumen t"Father Paisii"
The Saravska’s house
The Synagogue
The Convent ( Nunnery)
The Bishop’s Church
The Saint Nikola’s Church