Pernik
Capital: Pernik
Population: 156,561
Area: 2,390.5 km²
Population density: 68 persons per km²
Time zone: EET; (UTC+2; UTC+3 in summer)
Total Towns and Cities in Pernik province: 6
Total Villages in Pernik province: 165
Municipalities in Pernik District: 6 - Breznik, Kovachevtsi, Pernik, Radomir, Trun, Zemen
Pernik Province is a province in western Bulgaria, neighbouring Serbia and Montenegro. Its main city is Pernik, while smaller towns include Radomir, Breznik, Tran, Batanovtsi and Zemen. The province also borders the regions of Sofia, Kyustendil and Sofia City. Its north-western boundary coincides with the national border with Serbia.
This region lies in the valley of Pernik, Radomir and Breznik and includes parts of the mountains of Verila, Vitosha, Lyulin, Viskiar, etc. The rivers of Struma and Erma run through the region. There are mineral springs near the towns of Breznik and Rudartzi. They attract tourists who use homes for rent in Bulgaria when stay here. Ostritza Reserve in the mountain of Golo Bardo, the cliffs of Zemen, the gorge of Erma River, Duhlata Cave (the longest cave in Bulgaria) and other natural landmarks offer conditions for development of ecotourism. The region is abundant in mineral resources. There are rich deposits of coal, ores, clays, limestone, which determines the development of industry as the main economic sector.
The area of the nowaday Pernik was an impregnable fortress – a residence of the famous chieftain Krakra who resisted and remained undefeated by the army of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II, surnamed Bulgaroktonus (“Bulgarian slayer”). The preserved fortresses and ancient settlements, medieval churches and monasteries are a prerequisite for development of cultural tourism in this region and many homes for rent in Bulgaria are offered here.
Pernik
Province (oblast): Pernik
Area: 461.1sq.km.
Population: 92627 (2005)
Towns and villages: total: 24; towns: 2; villages 22
Altitude: 710 m
Geographic coordinates: 42° 61' north, 23° 03' east
Time zone: EET; (UTC+2; UTC+3 in summer)
Mayor: Antoaneta Georgieva
Pernik (Bulgarian: Перник) is a city in western Bulgaria, on the Struma River, with a population of 92,627 (2005 census). It is the main city of Pernik Province. From 1949–1962, the city was known as Dimitrovo.
Location
Pernik Municipality is situated in the hollow of the same name, which is distinguished by its well-developed foot, as well as with the predominant development of high terraces. The hollow’s floor is of a hilly nature. The Struma River and its tributary, the Konska River, drain it. The southern side of the Ljulin Mountain and the western flank of the Vitosha Mountain draw to the North and to the East the orographic boundaries of the hollow. These are separated by the Vladaja defile (890 meters above sea level). The adjacent Breznik Hollow through a low elevation – the Usoitsa Ridge, bound the hollow to the West (780-810 meters above sea level), and Golo Bardo, which is split by the Struma gorge below the Krakra region.
The hollow’s relief is highly varied. The southern slopes are slant and un-wooded, while the northern slopes are steeper and covered with vegetation.
The town of Pernik itself has a linearly developed structure. It is situated primarily in the lowlands along the Struma River. A great number of homes for rent in Bulgaria are situated along the river banks. Pernik is easily accessible from Sofia Airport, Sofia Grand Central Station, and Sofia Bus Station. It takes about 20 - 30 minutes by car to make the trip from the capital, 30 - 40 minutes by bus, and 40 - 60 minutes by train. Road arteries of European and Balkan importance pass nearby: E-79 International Highway, Vidin – Sofia – Kulata – Thessalonica, Е-871 Bourgas – Sofia – Gyueshevo – Skopje, and the road from Pernik to Breznik leading to the Serbian border. The international railway Sofia – Kulata, and the national Sofia –Gyueshevo both pass through Pernik. The distance from Pernik to Athens is 842 km., Pernik – Belgrade, 412 km., Pernik Bucharest, 457 km., Pernik – Istanbul, 588 km.
Climate
In terms of climate, Pernik is within the temperate continental climate zone. Only the Vitosha slope is in the mountain climate zone. The relatively big average height above sea level – 750 meters, which varies within a broad range – from 650 to over 2000 meters, determines the climatic conditions. The ground-level temperature inversions are a characteristic feature of the climate, especially during the winter months. Spring comes relatively late, about the end of March or the beginning of April. The average spring temperature is +9°C. Summer isn’t hot, and the average temperature for the season is 19.9°C. July is the hottest month, its average monthly temperature being 29.6°C. The absolute temperature maximum value is 38.1°C. Autumn is warmer than spring. The average temperature for the season is 10°C. September has the highest average monthly temperature – 16.1°C. The soft climate is suitable for rural tourism and the homes for rent in Bulgaria serve this business.
When there are western or southwestern winds, which is prevalent, foehn is observed on the northern slopes of Golo Bardo. It is most typically observed in springtime. The number of foggy days in the year is relatively large – about 28.8. There are about 2.5 foggy days in the warm half of the year and about 26.3 in the cold half.
Precipitations are of a markedly continental nature. They play an important role in the process of pollution and self-purification of the atmosphere. The amount of precipitations, along with the relatively low summer temperatures, are the main causes for the summer droughts being less severe than in the lowlands of Northern and Central Bulgaria. The average yearly precipitations amount is 550 to 606 mm. The average precipitation amount for each season is, as follows: Spring – 162 mm, summer – 165 mm, autumn – 152 mm, winter – 128 mm. May is the most humid month of the year. March is the month with least precipitations amount.
The comparatively large precipitation amount is a favorable factor for the self-purification of the atmosphere. However, it decreases the diffusion and leads to an increased burden on the soil and the surface waters.
Water resources
The formation and the condition of the surface waters in the region of Pernik are determined by the Struma River catchment's area. The sources of Struma River are in the western part of the Vitosha Mountain. It is the main source of potable and industrial water for the town, as well as for irrigation of the agricultural land that surrounds it. At the same time, this same river is used as a receptacle for wastewaters of all industrial plants - the “Pramet” and “Stomana” Stock Co. companies, the “Kamet” Stock Co “Rodopa”, etc. This practice deteriorates substantially the water's quality. The city collector that pills directly into the river also spoils the water. The rich resources of water promote the development of the tourism and the homes for rent in Bulgaria never stay uninhabited.
The flow of the Struma River is regulated for water-supply purposes through the two reservoirs - Studena and Pchelina. The Studena Reservoir has a total volume of contents of 25.2 million cubic meters. It provides for the overall water consumption of the town of Pernik, as well as for the needs of irrigation in the region. The Pchelina Reservoir has a volume of contents 54.8 million cubic meters. It serves as a secondary depository of the Struma River. It is also a source of industrial water supply with conditionally clean water.
Rainfalls and snow primarily feed the underground waters in the Pernik region, so their yearly flow is directly dependent on the seasonal amount of surface water. The geological, hydro geological and lithological characteristics of the region also influence their formation and their condition. Shallow underground waters have been found across the entire territory of the region at a depth of 1 to 5 meters in alluvial silts and a smaller amount has been found at a depth of 10 to 12 meters.
There are two major mineral water sources. One is in the “Bjala voda” quarter. It has a capacity of 3.3 liters per second, temperature of 27є C and an exploitation reserve of the source of 104 000 cubic meters. The other is at the village of Rudartsi. Its capacity is 10.3 liters per second and an exploitation reserve of 33 000 cubic meters. The mineral water at the village of Rudartsi is used for balneal - prophylactic purposes. It is also sold as table water in the country and abroad. The visitors who stay in homes for rent in Bulgaria prefer the water from the region.
Forest funds
The natural landscape has been changed dramatically by human activities. The basic tree species are oak, acacia, hornbeam, etc. The most widely distributed shrubs are hawthorn, briar, blacktthorn, cornel-tree, bramble, etc. The total area of the municipality's forest funds is 174 866 decares, 142 114 of these are covered with special purpose forests. Forests of sprout origin, layered structured and low productivity (V Category estimated productivity) are dominant. These are used maily for fire-wood production.
Protected natural sites
“Vitosha” national park spreads over a territory of 26 577 hectares, 9988 of which are on the territory of Pernik Municipality. In the Pernik part of the Vitosha Mountain there are 32 rare, endangered plant species, which vere included in The Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Five kilometers to the south of the town of Pernik is the Ostritsa Reserve, situated in the central part of the Golo Bardo Mountain. It has an area of 134.6 hectares and includes the Ostritsa Peak (1146 meters above sea level) and its slopes - the ravines Belite kladentsi, Shiroki dol and Ribna voda. In the reserve, sprout plantations of two subspecies of hornbeam, and manna-ash. The flora consists of 358 species and 4 subspecies, belonging to 212 genera and 56 families. Despite its small area, the reserve contains one tenth of Bulgaria's floral richness. A great number of local and foreign tourists in the region never miss to visit the reserve and to stay in the homes for rent in Bulgaria.
In spite of the reserve's proximity to the towns that surround it - Pernik, Batanovtsi and Radomir - the violations of the regime of the protected territory kept by the Radomir Forestry Enterprise, are negligible. This is mainly due to the “airyness” of the reserve and tis bigger height above sea level - 1100 meters, compared to that of the industially developed settlements - 700-800 meters.
The longest cave in Bulgaria - Duhlata - is in the Pernik region. 15 kilometers of it have been explored. More than 50 halls have been discovered. Each has an area of more than 50 square kilometers.
History
The oldest human settlements can be traced back to 6 000 years BC.
Pernik is believed to have been the capital of a Thracian tribe called Agrians. They were lead by King Langar who was supposedly one of the allies of Alexander the Great in his conquests. Another Agrian king was Rhes who, according to Homer’s Illiad, took part in the defense of Troy. Historians claim that as a settlement Pernik is as old as Troy is and older than Rome.
During a later period in history, the ancient Thracian fortress was destroyed by the invasions of Goths and Celts but in 3rd century AD the Romans built an urban settlement here and commerce flourished.
The Slavs moved here in 7th century AD and named the place after their god Perun. According to a popular theory, the name of the city today was derived from that Slavic deity.
Pernik became a part of the Bulgarian kingdom in 9th century AD and started growing as an important administrative and military center.
Placed at a strategic location, the fortress of Pernik survived as an important urban nucleus until the 15th century. The dense net of historical sites in the region is an object of interest by the foreign travelers who also use the services of the homes for rent in Bulgaria.
After centuries of sleep, Pernik awoke for new life in the 19th century as the coal deposits underneath it caught the attention of industry. Ever since then, the name of the city has become synonymous with mining, metallurgy and mechanical engineering.
Infrastructure
The E 79 highway passes through the town's territory, as well as many first-rate, second-rate and third-rate roads. One of the oldest trade-routs of the Balkans – Sofia-Thessalonica-Skopie - traverses the region. A reconstruction of the road network will become necessary when the northern part of Corridor No 8 is built. The maintenance and reconstruction of the roadbeds will give employment opportunities to the currently unemployed labour force. There are trolley bus and motorbus transport lines in the city area. The transportation of passengers is carried out for the most part by the municipal transport agency. The railway lines Sofia-Pernik-Blagoevgrad-Petrich, and Sofia-Pernik-Giueshgevo are of a great economic importance. Pernik has a strategically advantageous position for the construction of Trans-European Corridor No 4.
Economy
During the last 40-45 years the Pernik Region developed and established itself as a heavy industry region. All branches of the material production are present in the regional economy. Black metallurgy, production of electrical and thermal energy, machinery construction, metal processing, coals mining, etc., play the leading part. Coal is mined in Pernik, high-quality steel is produced, as well as rolled iron and products made of it, shaped steel and iron for construction purposes. There is also production of large-dimension metal-processing machines, machines for extraction and processing of lining stone materials, equipment for gas stations and asphalt production plants, rectifiers, electronic elements such as magnets and ferrite, different types of glass and cement. The light industry is represented by production of knitted fabrics. The only factory on the Balkan Peninsula for production of pectin and fruit concentrates is situated here. The tourist business develops building of hotels, villas and letting homes for rent in Bulgaria.
Investment Plan
The yearly municipal program of privatization was drawn up on the grounds of Article 2, Paragraph 2 in connection with Article 3, Paragraph 1, and section 4 of the Law of Sale and Privatization of State and Municipal Firms. The draft program's aim is to continue the hitherto prevailing line of actions of the Pernik Municipal Council and the government for restructuring of the economy.
Here are its basic goals:
1. To settle the transactions started in accordance with Article 35 by the end of this year;
2. To speed up the privatization transactions commenced during 1999;
3. To restructure and sell the remaining municipal companies and firms, in order to make them stable and provide funds for the revival and technological renovation of their production. A lot of positive experience was gained from the privatization of the municipal firms “Narmag - Stil” Ltd., MIBU Ltd., “Blagoustroistveni stroezhi” Ltd., “Zhiten Klas” Ltd., “Ljubash” Ltd., and “Aronia” Ltd.
The minimum number of autonomous objects to be privatized is 106, 81 of which are left from last year. The program is an open system; it can be updated during the whole year. The practice adopted during 1999 to add objects that are already well-explored and easy-to-sell gave positive results, so this approach should be applied again during the current year.
The expected income from privatization during 2000, estimated with the help of expert valuers licensed by the Agency of Privatization, is 1 689 000 leva.
Because of the ongoing tendency to leave objects from one yearly program to the next because they are unattractive to buyers or are in bad physical condition, and because of the lowered buying capability of the population, it is appropriate that the Municipal Council should develop and pass resolutions and take measures aiming the following:
- to sell objects according to the Law of Municipal Property whose prices cannot be lowered according to the Law of Sale and Privatization of State and Municipal Firms, through a new evaluation of their liquidation value;
- to sell objects of sloe sale if there are buyers interested to buy them along with the adjoining terrain;
- to lower the price or to space out the payment of objects for which the negotiations with potential buyers and the auctions carried out in 1999 have passed through at least two stages of negotiation, and in auctions with no candidates;
- to advance in building up the net of tourists’ accommodation places such as hotels and homes for rent in Bulgaria.
The implementation of the proposed program will provide funds to be invested in the municipality. It will facilitate the financial interaction with some municipal firms by resolving the problem with their debts.
The most important thing is to perform the reform and to stabilize the municipality's economy by strengthening the private sector, to reinforce competition in the leading branches of the municipality's economy. On these grounds, in accordance with the real situation of the municipality, the implementation of the present program will constitute the contribution of the Municipal Council to the national policy of restructuring of the economy.
The proposed project is a minimum set of tasks. It can be completed by resolutions of the Municipal Council.
Culture and Arts
Places of interest
Pernik’s most attractive places of interest are Krakra Fortress and the Museum of Mining.
Krakra Fortress (5th – 4th century AD to 11th century AD).A National Heritage Site today, in the 10th and the first half of the 11th century the fortress played a key role in the defense of the Bulgarian Kingdom against the Byzantine invasion. Located just one kilometer away from the city, Krakra Fortress is a testament to the city’s medieval glory as it has been an active urban center from the 4th century BC to the 14th century AD.
The Mining Museum is a unique place. There is nothing like it anywhere else on the whole Balkan Peninsula. It occupies an actual 500-meter long underground mining shaft and is a vivid representation of the history of the mining process in the region which began at the very same mine.
Saint Ivan Rilski Church
The church was constructed between 1910 and 1919 upon the initiative of the Mining Company which sponsored the project. The murals inside were painted in 1937 by Detchko Uzunov, Nikola Marionov, and Alexander Poplilov.
Mining Company Building
The Mining Company Building is another emblem of the city. Built in 1932, it served as the national center for coordination of mining operations. Its remarkable interior and exterior architecture has been preserved as it was originally designed. The building is a heritage site of local importance.
The Palace of Culture
One of Pernik’s landmarks, the Palace of Culture build in 1957 is still the cultural institution of the city.
City Hall Building
Finished in 1978, the building is home to the municipal and regional administration.
Krakra Pernishki Monument
Krakra Pernishki Monument is the symbol of Pernik’s medieval glory.
Historical Museum
It was created in 1953 as a city museum. The first exhibition was opened in 1957. In 1959 the museum grew into Regional People's Museum and in 1969 some administrative and structural changes were made and the museum's name was changed to Regional Museum of History. The museum is of a common history nature and has the following departments: “Archaeology” – managed by two curators; “Ethnography” department with one curator; “Bulgarian History of XVII – XVIII centuries – the National Revival” – one curator; “Modern and most modern history” department with one curator; “Mining Science” – one curator department; “Public Relations” department with one curator; “Funds” department with two curators and one fund-keeper.
The museum has a photo-shop and a restoration workshop with a staff of two people. There is a power technician, a construction technician, a cashier, an accountant and a cleaner. The whole staff (including the director) numbers 18.5. The museum's budget varies from 50 million to 70 million levs (Old Bulgarian currency).
The exhibition of the Historical Museum was opened in 1973 and was renovated in 1979. There are about 11 000 visitors per year. Some temporary exhibitions were organized in the last few years. There are 17 085 items in the museum's main fund and 37 833 items in its auxiliary fund – a total of 54 918 items. The following collections have been constructed:
Prehistoric pottery; Medieval City life – the materials come from the Krakra fortress; Votive tablets to the Thracian Horseman (Trakijskija Konnik) from the sanctuary in the village of Tsarkva; A collection of icons; A numismatic collection; Ethnographic fabrics collection; Busin Pottery collection; English and Russian weapons used in the struggle against fascism. The richness of exposed items helps the visitors penetrate deeply in the local history as well as to experience the comfort of the local homes for rent in Bulgaria.
Traditions - the Surva International Festival of the Masquerade Games
For ages in the night of 13th to 14th of January the lands of Pernik region have resounded with the ringing of bells, with songs, chanting and blessings for good health, longevity, rich harvests, and good luck. The participants prepared the whole year through for this holiday, known as Surva, and the entire village celebrated the holiday. It was extremely interesting for the participants to find out what preparations their friends of the adjacent village had made, in order to display better and more interesting faces (masks) than theirs.
Since 1966, the City Council started to organize and to carry out periodically regional and national festivals of the Surva games in which thousands of children, adolescents and adults participated.
For ages in the night of 13th to 14th of January the lands of Pernik region have resounded with the ringing of bells, with songs, chanting and blessings for good health, longevity, rich harvests, and good luck. The participants prepared the whole year through for this holiday, known as Surva, and the entire village celebrated the holiday. It was extremely interesting for the participants to find out what preparations their friends of the adjacent village had made, in order to display better and more interesting faces (masks) than theirs.
Since 1966, the City Council started to organize and to carry out periodically regional and national festivals of the Surva games in which thousands of children, adolescents and adults participated.
Since 1985 the National festival grew into an international festival because of the immense interest it exited in Bulgaria and in a number of European countries. Folklore groups coming from masquerade and carnival cities in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Russia, Italy, Spain, etc. took part in the festivities.
The Pernik Festival was internationally acknowledged by the Foundation of European Carnival Cities – FECC, seated in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Since January 1st 1995 Pernik is the 43rd member of this respectable international organization and has the opportunity to be present in the wide network of festival cities around the world. The homes for rent in Bulgaria help the accommodation of the participants.
It is a unique festival that represents the entire variety of masquerade games in Bulgaria. It preserves, enriches and exhibits the most vital and stable traditions of the masquerade rites, which the Bulgarian people have kept from ancient times until present day. The festival is a sort of review of the winter and pre-spring masking customs. The masked participants are called survakari, babugeri, dzhamilari, etc. They are dressed in hides with the fur remaining on the outside, or in traditional women's costumes. All participants wear heavy strings of bells, cowbells, and rattles on their waists, and on their heads they wear grotesque masks made of feathers, wings, whole birds, animal heads, etc.
According to the traditional beliefs of the Bulgarian people, the play of the masked people is a ritual blessing for health, prosperity and welfare. The variegated costumes, the huge fantastic masks and the many-voiced ringing of bells and rattles create a unique feeling of contiguity of the numerous spectators that come from near and far. The festival is carried out under the aegis of the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture.
Tourists’ Information
Pernik lies at an elevation of 720 meters above sea level. The climate is moderate with a daily average of + 0.2oC for the month of January. The ski slopes of the famous winter resorts in Vitosha, Rila (Borovetz), and Pirin (Bansko) are close by.
The three-star Struma Hotel located in downtown Pernik has 21 singles, 12 double rooms, and 9 suites including a VIP one. The two-star Zora Hotel offers 36 double rooms, 12 singles, and 12 suites. Vitoshko Hunting Club, which is 15 kilometers away from Pernik, can also provide 25 accommodations along with excellent opportunities for hiking and hunting in the winter. Tourists with more modest requirements would feel right at home at Rudartsi Hotel, which can provide lodging to 48 people. It is located in the resort of Rudartsi where guests can go for a relaxing swim in an indoor swimming pool filled with mineral water.
The city has a wide variety of restaurants and fine dining establishments, which can surprise even the food connoisseur with prime examples of the local cuisine. Most of them feature live Bulgarian folklore music and entertainment.
In 2006 the Museum of History will put the spotlight on the living masquerade tradition and the 40-year anniversary of the International Festival of the Masquerade Games. The travelers can turn to the services of the homes for rent in Bulgaria to stay in Pernik for the events.
You can travel by bus or car to any of the villages where the custom of Surva is still alive and enjoy the unique tradition of the region of Pernik in its natural habitat.
Municipality Radomir
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Radomir municipality: 540km2
Population of Radomir municipality: 22964 people
Total Towns and Cities in Radomir municipality: 1
Total Villages in Radomir municipality: 31
The Radomir municipality is located in South-West Bulgaria in Pernik District. The Municipality consists of town of Radomir and 31 villages. The Municipality is situated in the Radomir hollow along the course of the Strouma River between the Konyovska Mountain, Gologlavski Vissochini heights and the mountains Golo Bardo, Verila and Cherna Gora. Radomir Municipality borders on Pernik Municipality to the north, Samokov to the east, the municipalities of Doupnitsa and Bobov Dol to the south, and Kustendil town, Zemen village and Kovachevtsi village to the west. The relief is semi-mountainous. The average altitude above sea level is 600 - 660 meters. The territory of the Municipality is crossed by main roads Е-871, Е-627, Е-69 and the railway lines Sofia - Kustendil and Sofia - Koulata.
The almost flat relief, the closeness to Sofia city and Pernik city, as well as the good transport communications have facilitated the development of a number of industrial branches and especially of heavy machine-building. Also the business with homes for rent in Bulgaria is well developed.
Municipality Breznik
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Breznik municipality: 404km2
Population of Breznik municipality: 7559 people
Total Towns and Cities in Breznik municipality: 1
Total Villages in Breznik municipality: 34
The Breznik municipality is in Pernik District (Western Bulgaria) and is located in the Western half of the Graovsko field. The average altitude above sea level is 750 m; the arable land is 204,000,000 sq. m. The municipal center town of Breznik is at a distance of 50 km from Sofia and 18 km from the district center Pernik.
The relief in the municipality Breznik is varied, the climate is moderate continental. To the northeast the valley borders Viskyar Mountain, and to the south and southwest it reaches Lubach and Cherna Gora mountains. Typical for the municipality are natural reserves of oil shale, red sandstone, and iron-containing mineral water that promote building homes for rent in Bulgaria to attract tourists. The territory of the municipality is crossed by small rivers such as the Svetlya, the Konska, and the Mala Reka. There are micro-dam lakes in many of the population centers, namely Begounovtsi, Slakovtsi, Konska, Izvor and Breznik. Many of the dams have been granted under concessions and are used for fish breeding, irrigation, tourism.
Municipality Kovachevtsi
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Kovachevtsi municipality: 139.1km2
Population of Kovachevtsi municipality: 1656 people
Total Villages in Kovachevtsi municipality: 9
The Kovachevtsi Municipality is located in Pernik District in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. Most of its territory is of semi-mountainous and mountainous nature. Parts of the mountain elevations have been deforested and turned into pastures. They have the common name of Roudinite. The Pchelina Dam Lake was built within the municipal territory. It is on the rivers Strouma and Svetlya and holds 49 million cubic meters of water. The minicipal center is village of Kovachevtsi.
Tourism sight in Kovachevtsi region: The water of the Dam Lake is used for a year-long amateur fishing but there are also possibilities for industrial fishing. Along the coastline of the Pchelina Dam Lake holiday houses with a total of about 500 beds have been built. A private complex with a swimming pool and a restaurant was built. Beside there are many homes for rent in Bulgaria all around the dam. There is a medieval rock chapel over the dam lake. The training of the national rowing teams takes place every year in the water of the dam lake.
Municipality Trun
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Trun municipality: 600km2
Population of Trun municipality: 4747 people
Total Towns and Cities in Trun municipality: 1
Total Villages in Trun municipality: 51
The Trun Municipality is situated in the southwestern part of Bulgaria along the state border with the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro, where there is a border control point near Strazemirovtsi village. It is 27 kilometres away from the town of Breznik and 15 km from the border with Serbia and Montenegro. The town has 2,930 inhabitants. One dinstinctive feature of the town is that a unique dialect of the Bulgarian language is spoken in Tran. This dialect differs so greatly from ordinary Bulgarian that someone from a nearby town such as Pernik could not understand it easily. The Erma River which flows from the town has formed a magnificient george known as Zhdreloto. Tran holds the Bulgarian lowest temperature record at -38.3°C (-36.94 F°) registered in the winter of 1947.
The relief is mountainous and semi-mountainous with clearly manifested continental climate. A number of mountain rivers and streams flow through the area. There are two regions with distinctive differences, namely: Znepole - a small hollow of 770 m altitude above sea level; and the mountains of Kraishte geographic region - Lubash, Kopren, Ogorelitsa, Vargaivitsa, Svredlovitsa and Karvav Kamik; these mountains are of average altitude 1,500 m above sea level. The Erma River is the biggest river in Tran Municipality. Numerous villages are situated in its valley. Trun town is located on a small terrace on the left bank of the Erma and is surrounded by mountains. The only road passing through Tran town connects it to Pernik and Sofia and to Strezemirovtsi border control point.
Trun is an environmentally clean region. There are vast forest massifs, as well as mineral springs with very good drinking quality and healing properties of the water. There are excellent mountain tourism conditions in the Tran region. The most famous route is to the peak of Ruyi, the highest in the region, which discloses a wonderful view to the whole Znepole. There are very good conditions for fishing in the micro-dam nearby Yarlovtzi village. Indeed the possibilities in Tran region for the recently very popular eco, village or cultural tourism are endless. That’s why a great number of homes for rent in Bulgaria are offered around.
Municipality Zemen
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Zemen municipality: 253km2
Population of Zemen municipality: 3307 people
Total Towns and Cities in Zemen municipality: 1
Total Villages in Zemen municipality: 18
The Zemen Municipality is part of Pernik District. It is 42 km to the southwest of Pernik and 70 km away from Sofia. The town of Zemen is located in a little trough along the valley of the Strouma River and has semi-mountainous relief. The altitude is 700 m above sea level. The railway from Sofia to Kyustendil /Gyueshevo/ passes through its territory. It is part of the envisaged Transport Corridor No. 8, which is to connect the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea.
The most often visited tourist site by both Bulgarian and foreign tourists is the Zemen Monastery. It is 1л5 km from the Zemen Railway Station.
Struma River
The course of the Struma in Bulgaria: Origin - the south slopes of Vitosha, Bulgaria; Mouth Aegean Sea, Greece;
Basin countries: Bulgaria, Greece
Length: 415 km
Source elevation: 2,180 m
Avg. discharge: from 2,117 m³/s at Pernik to 76,167 m³/s at Marino pole
Basin area: 10,797 km² in Bulgaria
The Struma or Strymónas (Bulgarian: Струма, IPA /'struma/, Greek: Στρυμόνας /stri'monas/) is a river in Bulgaria and Greece. Its ancient name was Strymōn (Greek: Στρυμών /stry'mɔːn/). Its catchment area is 10,800 km². It takes its source from the Vitosha Mountain in Bulgaria, runs first westward, then southward, enters Greek territory at the Kula village and flows into the Aegean Sea, near Kavála in the Serres prefecture. The river's length is 415 km (of which 290 km in Bulgaria, making it the country's fifth longest). A bridge over the Struma in BulgariaThe river valley is a coal-producing area of Bulgaria. The Greek portion is a valley which is dominant in agriculture. The tributaries include the Rila River.
The Ancient Greek city of Amphipolis was founded at the river's entrance to the Aegean, and the Battle of Kleidion was fought by the river in 1014. In 1913, the Greek Army was trapped in the Kresna Gorge of the Struma during the Second Balkan War. The Bulgarians were defeated in the war, however, and the Treaty of Bucharest resulted in significant territorial losses for Bulgaria. The ship Struma, which carried Jewish refugees out of Romania in World War II and subsequently sunk in the Black Sea, causing nearly 800 deaths, is named after river’s name.
Population: 156,561
Area: 2,390.5 km²
Population density: 68 persons per km²
Time zone: EET; (UTC+2; UTC+3 in summer)
Total Towns and Cities in Pernik province: 6
Total Villages in Pernik province: 165
Municipalities in Pernik District: 6 - Breznik, Kovachevtsi, Pernik, Radomir, Trun, Zemen
Pernik Province is a province in western Bulgaria, neighbouring Serbia and Montenegro. Its main city is Pernik, while smaller towns include Radomir, Breznik, Tran, Batanovtsi and Zemen. The province also borders the regions of Sofia, Kyustendil and Sofia City. Its north-western boundary coincides with the national border with Serbia.
This region lies in the valley of Pernik, Radomir and Breznik and includes parts of the mountains of Verila, Vitosha, Lyulin, Viskiar, etc. The rivers of Struma and Erma run through the region. There are mineral springs near the towns of Breznik and Rudartzi. They attract tourists who use homes for rent in Bulgaria when stay here. Ostritza Reserve in the mountain of Golo Bardo, the cliffs of Zemen, the gorge of Erma River, Duhlata Cave (the longest cave in Bulgaria) and other natural landmarks offer conditions for development of ecotourism. The region is abundant in mineral resources. There are rich deposits of coal, ores, clays, limestone, which determines the development of industry as the main economic sector.
The area of the nowaday Pernik was an impregnable fortress – a residence of the famous chieftain Krakra who resisted and remained undefeated by the army of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II, surnamed Bulgaroktonus (“Bulgarian slayer”). The preserved fortresses and ancient settlements, medieval churches and monasteries are a prerequisite for development of cultural tourism in this region and many homes for rent in Bulgaria are offered here.
Pernik
Province (oblast): Pernik
Area: 461.1sq.km.
Population: 92627 (2005)
Towns and villages: total: 24; towns: 2; villages 22
Altitude: 710 m
Geographic coordinates: 42° 61' north, 23° 03' east
Time zone: EET; (UTC+2; UTC+3 in summer)
Mayor: Antoaneta Georgieva
Pernik (Bulgarian: Перник) is a city in western Bulgaria, on the Struma River, with a population of 92,627 (2005 census). It is the main city of Pernik Province. From 1949–1962, the city was known as Dimitrovo.
Location
Pernik Municipality is situated in the hollow of the same name, which is distinguished by its well-developed foot, as well as with the predominant development of high terraces. The hollow’s floor is of a hilly nature. The Struma River and its tributary, the Konska River, drain it. The southern side of the Ljulin Mountain and the western flank of the Vitosha Mountain draw to the North and to the East the orographic boundaries of the hollow. These are separated by the Vladaja defile (890 meters above sea level). The adjacent Breznik Hollow through a low elevation – the Usoitsa Ridge, bound the hollow to the West (780-810 meters above sea level), and Golo Bardo, which is split by the Struma gorge below the Krakra region.
The hollow’s relief is highly varied. The southern slopes are slant and un-wooded, while the northern slopes are steeper and covered with vegetation.
The town of Pernik itself has a linearly developed structure. It is situated primarily in the lowlands along the Struma River. A great number of homes for rent in Bulgaria are situated along the river banks. Pernik is easily accessible from Sofia Airport, Sofia Grand Central Station, and Sofia Bus Station. It takes about 20 - 30 minutes by car to make the trip from the capital, 30 - 40 minutes by bus, and 40 - 60 minutes by train. Road arteries of European and Balkan importance pass nearby: E-79 International Highway, Vidin – Sofia – Kulata – Thessalonica, Е-871 Bourgas – Sofia – Gyueshevo – Skopje, and the road from Pernik to Breznik leading to the Serbian border. The international railway Sofia – Kulata, and the national Sofia –Gyueshevo both pass through Pernik. The distance from Pernik to Athens is 842 km., Pernik – Belgrade, 412 km., Pernik Bucharest, 457 km., Pernik – Istanbul, 588 km.
Climate
In terms of climate, Pernik is within the temperate continental climate zone. Only the Vitosha slope is in the mountain climate zone. The relatively big average height above sea level – 750 meters, which varies within a broad range – from 650 to over 2000 meters, determines the climatic conditions. The ground-level temperature inversions are a characteristic feature of the climate, especially during the winter months. Spring comes relatively late, about the end of March or the beginning of April. The average spring temperature is +9°C. Summer isn’t hot, and the average temperature for the season is 19.9°C. July is the hottest month, its average monthly temperature being 29.6°C. The absolute temperature maximum value is 38.1°C. Autumn is warmer than spring. The average temperature for the season is 10°C. September has the highest average monthly temperature – 16.1°C. The soft climate is suitable for rural tourism and the homes for rent in Bulgaria serve this business.
When there are western or southwestern winds, which is prevalent, foehn is observed on the northern slopes of Golo Bardo. It is most typically observed in springtime. The number of foggy days in the year is relatively large – about 28.8. There are about 2.5 foggy days in the warm half of the year and about 26.3 in the cold half.
Precipitations are of a markedly continental nature. They play an important role in the process of pollution and self-purification of the atmosphere. The amount of precipitations, along with the relatively low summer temperatures, are the main causes for the summer droughts being less severe than in the lowlands of Northern and Central Bulgaria. The average yearly precipitations amount is 550 to 606 mm. The average precipitation amount for each season is, as follows: Spring – 162 mm, summer – 165 mm, autumn – 152 mm, winter – 128 mm. May is the most humid month of the year. March is the month with least precipitations amount.
The comparatively large precipitation amount is a favorable factor for the self-purification of the atmosphere. However, it decreases the diffusion and leads to an increased burden on the soil and the surface waters.
Water resources
The formation and the condition of the surface waters in the region of Pernik are determined by the Struma River catchment's area. The sources of Struma River are in the western part of the Vitosha Mountain. It is the main source of potable and industrial water for the town, as well as for irrigation of the agricultural land that surrounds it. At the same time, this same river is used as a receptacle for wastewaters of all industrial plants - the “Pramet” and “Stomana” Stock Co. companies, the “Kamet” Stock Co “Rodopa”, etc. This practice deteriorates substantially the water's quality. The city collector that pills directly into the river also spoils the water. The rich resources of water promote the development of the tourism and the homes for rent in Bulgaria never stay uninhabited.
The flow of the Struma River is regulated for water-supply purposes through the two reservoirs - Studena and Pchelina. The Studena Reservoir has a total volume of contents of 25.2 million cubic meters. It provides for the overall water consumption of the town of Pernik, as well as for the needs of irrigation in the region. The Pchelina Reservoir has a volume of contents 54.8 million cubic meters. It serves as a secondary depository of the Struma River. It is also a source of industrial water supply with conditionally clean water.
Rainfalls and snow primarily feed the underground waters in the Pernik region, so their yearly flow is directly dependent on the seasonal amount of surface water. The geological, hydro geological and lithological characteristics of the region also influence their formation and their condition. Shallow underground waters have been found across the entire territory of the region at a depth of 1 to 5 meters in alluvial silts and a smaller amount has been found at a depth of 10 to 12 meters.
There are two major mineral water sources. One is in the “Bjala voda” quarter. It has a capacity of 3.3 liters per second, temperature of 27є C and an exploitation reserve of the source of 104 000 cubic meters. The other is at the village of Rudartsi. Its capacity is 10.3 liters per second and an exploitation reserve of 33 000 cubic meters. The mineral water at the village of Rudartsi is used for balneal - prophylactic purposes. It is also sold as table water in the country and abroad. The visitors who stay in homes for rent in Bulgaria prefer the water from the region.
Forest funds
The natural landscape has been changed dramatically by human activities. The basic tree species are oak, acacia, hornbeam, etc. The most widely distributed shrubs are hawthorn, briar, blacktthorn, cornel-tree, bramble, etc. The total area of the municipality's forest funds is 174 866 decares, 142 114 of these are covered with special purpose forests. Forests of sprout origin, layered structured and low productivity (V Category estimated productivity) are dominant. These are used maily for fire-wood production.
Protected natural sites
“Vitosha” national park spreads over a territory of 26 577 hectares, 9988 of which are on the territory of Pernik Municipality. In the Pernik part of the Vitosha Mountain there are 32 rare, endangered plant species, which vere included in The Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Five kilometers to the south of the town of Pernik is the Ostritsa Reserve, situated in the central part of the Golo Bardo Mountain. It has an area of 134.6 hectares and includes the Ostritsa Peak (1146 meters above sea level) and its slopes - the ravines Belite kladentsi, Shiroki dol and Ribna voda. In the reserve, sprout plantations of two subspecies of hornbeam, and manna-ash. The flora consists of 358 species and 4 subspecies, belonging to 212 genera and 56 families. Despite its small area, the reserve contains one tenth of Bulgaria's floral richness. A great number of local and foreign tourists in the region never miss to visit the reserve and to stay in the homes for rent in Bulgaria.
In spite of the reserve's proximity to the towns that surround it - Pernik, Batanovtsi and Radomir - the violations of the regime of the protected territory kept by the Radomir Forestry Enterprise, are negligible. This is mainly due to the “airyness” of the reserve and tis bigger height above sea level - 1100 meters, compared to that of the industially developed settlements - 700-800 meters.
The longest cave in Bulgaria - Duhlata - is in the Pernik region. 15 kilometers of it have been explored. More than 50 halls have been discovered. Each has an area of more than 50 square kilometers.
History
The oldest human settlements can be traced back to 6 000 years BC.
Pernik is believed to have been the capital of a Thracian tribe called Agrians. They were lead by King Langar who was supposedly one of the allies of Alexander the Great in his conquests. Another Agrian king was Rhes who, according to Homer’s Illiad, took part in the defense of Troy. Historians claim that as a settlement Pernik is as old as Troy is and older than Rome.
During a later period in history, the ancient Thracian fortress was destroyed by the invasions of Goths and Celts but in 3rd century AD the Romans built an urban settlement here and commerce flourished.
The Slavs moved here in 7th century AD and named the place after their god Perun. According to a popular theory, the name of the city today was derived from that Slavic deity.
Pernik became a part of the Bulgarian kingdom in 9th century AD and started growing as an important administrative and military center.
Placed at a strategic location, the fortress of Pernik survived as an important urban nucleus until the 15th century. The dense net of historical sites in the region is an object of interest by the foreign travelers who also use the services of the homes for rent in Bulgaria.
After centuries of sleep, Pernik awoke for new life in the 19th century as the coal deposits underneath it caught the attention of industry. Ever since then, the name of the city has become synonymous with mining, metallurgy and mechanical engineering.
Infrastructure
The E 79 highway passes through the town's territory, as well as many first-rate, second-rate and third-rate roads. One of the oldest trade-routs of the Balkans – Sofia-Thessalonica-Skopie - traverses the region. A reconstruction of the road network will become necessary when the northern part of Corridor No 8 is built. The maintenance and reconstruction of the roadbeds will give employment opportunities to the currently unemployed labour force. There are trolley bus and motorbus transport lines in the city area. The transportation of passengers is carried out for the most part by the municipal transport agency. The railway lines Sofia-Pernik-Blagoevgrad-Petrich, and Sofia-Pernik-Giueshgevo are of a great economic importance. Pernik has a strategically advantageous position for the construction of Trans-European Corridor No 4.
Economy
During the last 40-45 years the Pernik Region developed and established itself as a heavy industry region. All branches of the material production are present in the regional economy. Black metallurgy, production of electrical and thermal energy, machinery construction, metal processing, coals mining, etc., play the leading part. Coal is mined in Pernik, high-quality steel is produced, as well as rolled iron and products made of it, shaped steel and iron for construction purposes. There is also production of large-dimension metal-processing machines, machines for extraction and processing of lining stone materials, equipment for gas stations and asphalt production plants, rectifiers, electronic elements such as magnets and ferrite, different types of glass and cement. The light industry is represented by production of knitted fabrics. The only factory on the Balkan Peninsula for production of pectin and fruit concentrates is situated here. The tourist business develops building of hotels, villas and letting homes for rent in Bulgaria.
Investment Plan
The yearly municipal program of privatization was drawn up on the grounds of Article 2, Paragraph 2 in connection with Article 3, Paragraph 1, and section 4 of the Law of Sale and Privatization of State and Municipal Firms. The draft program's aim is to continue the hitherto prevailing line of actions of the Pernik Municipal Council and the government for restructuring of the economy.
Here are its basic goals:
1. To settle the transactions started in accordance with Article 35 by the end of this year;
2. To speed up the privatization transactions commenced during 1999;
3. To restructure and sell the remaining municipal companies and firms, in order to make them stable and provide funds for the revival and technological renovation of their production. A lot of positive experience was gained from the privatization of the municipal firms “Narmag - Stil” Ltd., MIBU Ltd., “Blagoustroistveni stroezhi” Ltd., “Zhiten Klas” Ltd., “Ljubash” Ltd., and “Aronia” Ltd.
The minimum number of autonomous objects to be privatized is 106, 81 of which are left from last year. The program is an open system; it can be updated during the whole year. The practice adopted during 1999 to add objects that are already well-explored and easy-to-sell gave positive results, so this approach should be applied again during the current year.
The expected income from privatization during 2000, estimated with the help of expert valuers licensed by the Agency of Privatization, is 1 689 000 leva.
Because of the ongoing tendency to leave objects from one yearly program to the next because they are unattractive to buyers or are in bad physical condition, and because of the lowered buying capability of the population, it is appropriate that the Municipal Council should develop and pass resolutions and take measures aiming the following:
- to sell objects according to the Law of Municipal Property whose prices cannot be lowered according to the Law of Sale and Privatization of State and Municipal Firms, through a new evaluation of their liquidation value;
- to sell objects of sloe sale if there are buyers interested to buy them along with the adjoining terrain;
- to lower the price or to space out the payment of objects for which the negotiations with potential buyers and the auctions carried out in 1999 have passed through at least two stages of negotiation, and in auctions with no candidates;
- to advance in building up the net of tourists’ accommodation places such as hotels and homes for rent in Bulgaria.
The implementation of the proposed program will provide funds to be invested in the municipality. It will facilitate the financial interaction with some municipal firms by resolving the problem with their debts.
The most important thing is to perform the reform and to stabilize the municipality's economy by strengthening the private sector, to reinforce competition in the leading branches of the municipality's economy. On these grounds, in accordance with the real situation of the municipality, the implementation of the present program will constitute the contribution of the Municipal Council to the national policy of restructuring of the economy.
The proposed project is a minimum set of tasks. It can be completed by resolutions of the Municipal Council.
Culture and Arts
Places of interest
Pernik’s most attractive places of interest are Krakra Fortress and the Museum of Mining.
Krakra Fortress (5th – 4th century AD to 11th century AD).A National Heritage Site today, in the 10th and the first half of the 11th century the fortress played a key role in the defense of the Bulgarian Kingdom against the Byzantine invasion. Located just one kilometer away from the city, Krakra Fortress is a testament to the city’s medieval glory as it has been an active urban center from the 4th century BC to the 14th century AD.
The Mining Museum is a unique place. There is nothing like it anywhere else on the whole Balkan Peninsula. It occupies an actual 500-meter long underground mining shaft and is a vivid representation of the history of the mining process in the region which began at the very same mine.
Saint Ivan Rilski Church
The church was constructed between 1910 and 1919 upon the initiative of the Mining Company which sponsored the project. The murals inside were painted in 1937 by Detchko Uzunov, Nikola Marionov, and Alexander Poplilov.
Mining Company Building
The Mining Company Building is another emblem of the city. Built in 1932, it served as the national center for coordination of mining operations. Its remarkable interior and exterior architecture has been preserved as it was originally designed. The building is a heritage site of local importance.
The Palace of Culture
One of Pernik’s landmarks, the Palace of Culture build in 1957 is still the cultural institution of the city.
City Hall Building
Finished in 1978, the building is home to the municipal and regional administration.
Krakra Pernishki Monument
Krakra Pernishki Monument is the symbol of Pernik’s medieval glory.
Historical Museum
It was created in 1953 as a city museum. The first exhibition was opened in 1957. In 1959 the museum grew into Regional People's Museum and in 1969 some administrative and structural changes were made and the museum's name was changed to Regional Museum of History. The museum is of a common history nature and has the following departments: “Archaeology” – managed by two curators; “Ethnography” department with one curator; “Bulgarian History of XVII – XVIII centuries – the National Revival” – one curator; “Modern and most modern history” department with one curator; “Mining Science” – one curator department; “Public Relations” department with one curator; “Funds” department with two curators and one fund-keeper.
The museum has a photo-shop and a restoration workshop with a staff of two people. There is a power technician, a construction technician, a cashier, an accountant and a cleaner. The whole staff (including the director) numbers 18.5. The museum's budget varies from 50 million to 70 million levs (Old Bulgarian currency).
The exhibition of the Historical Museum was opened in 1973 and was renovated in 1979. There are about 11 000 visitors per year. Some temporary exhibitions were organized in the last few years. There are 17 085 items in the museum's main fund and 37 833 items in its auxiliary fund – a total of 54 918 items. The following collections have been constructed:
Prehistoric pottery; Medieval City life – the materials come from the Krakra fortress; Votive tablets to the Thracian Horseman (Trakijskija Konnik) from the sanctuary in the village of Tsarkva; A collection of icons; A numismatic collection; Ethnographic fabrics collection; Busin Pottery collection; English and Russian weapons used in the struggle against fascism. The richness of exposed items helps the visitors penetrate deeply in the local history as well as to experience the comfort of the local homes for rent in Bulgaria.
Traditions - the Surva International Festival of the Masquerade Games
For ages in the night of 13th to 14th of January the lands of Pernik region have resounded with the ringing of bells, with songs, chanting and blessings for good health, longevity, rich harvests, and good luck. The participants prepared the whole year through for this holiday, known as Surva, and the entire village celebrated the holiday. It was extremely interesting for the participants to find out what preparations their friends of the adjacent village had made, in order to display better and more interesting faces (masks) than theirs.
Since 1966, the City Council started to organize and to carry out periodically regional and national festivals of the Surva games in which thousands of children, adolescents and adults participated.
For ages in the night of 13th to 14th of January the lands of Pernik region have resounded with the ringing of bells, with songs, chanting and blessings for good health, longevity, rich harvests, and good luck. The participants prepared the whole year through for this holiday, known as Surva, and the entire village celebrated the holiday. It was extremely interesting for the participants to find out what preparations their friends of the adjacent village had made, in order to display better and more interesting faces (masks) than theirs.
Since 1966, the City Council started to organize and to carry out periodically regional and national festivals of the Surva games in which thousands of children, adolescents and adults participated.
Since 1985 the National festival grew into an international festival because of the immense interest it exited in Bulgaria and in a number of European countries. Folklore groups coming from masquerade and carnival cities in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Russia, Italy, Spain, etc. took part in the festivities.
The Pernik Festival was internationally acknowledged by the Foundation of European Carnival Cities – FECC, seated in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Since January 1st 1995 Pernik is the 43rd member of this respectable international organization and has the opportunity to be present in the wide network of festival cities around the world. The homes for rent in Bulgaria help the accommodation of the participants.
It is a unique festival that represents the entire variety of masquerade games in Bulgaria. It preserves, enriches and exhibits the most vital and stable traditions of the masquerade rites, which the Bulgarian people have kept from ancient times until present day. The festival is a sort of review of the winter and pre-spring masking customs. The masked participants are called survakari, babugeri, dzhamilari, etc. They are dressed in hides with the fur remaining on the outside, or in traditional women's costumes. All participants wear heavy strings of bells, cowbells, and rattles on their waists, and on their heads they wear grotesque masks made of feathers, wings, whole birds, animal heads, etc.
According to the traditional beliefs of the Bulgarian people, the play of the masked people is a ritual blessing for health, prosperity and welfare. The variegated costumes, the huge fantastic masks and the many-voiced ringing of bells and rattles create a unique feeling of contiguity of the numerous spectators that come from near and far. The festival is carried out under the aegis of the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture.
Tourists’ Information
Pernik lies at an elevation of 720 meters above sea level. The climate is moderate with a daily average of + 0.2oC for the month of January. The ski slopes of the famous winter resorts in Vitosha, Rila (Borovetz), and Pirin (Bansko) are close by.
The three-star Struma Hotel located in downtown Pernik has 21 singles, 12 double rooms, and 9 suites including a VIP one. The two-star Zora Hotel offers 36 double rooms, 12 singles, and 12 suites. Vitoshko Hunting Club, which is 15 kilometers away from Pernik, can also provide 25 accommodations along with excellent opportunities for hiking and hunting in the winter. Tourists with more modest requirements would feel right at home at Rudartsi Hotel, which can provide lodging to 48 people. It is located in the resort of Rudartsi where guests can go for a relaxing swim in an indoor swimming pool filled with mineral water.
The city has a wide variety of restaurants and fine dining establishments, which can surprise even the food connoisseur with prime examples of the local cuisine. Most of them feature live Bulgarian folklore music and entertainment.
In 2006 the Museum of History will put the spotlight on the living masquerade tradition and the 40-year anniversary of the International Festival of the Masquerade Games. The travelers can turn to the services of the homes for rent in Bulgaria to stay in Pernik for the events.
You can travel by bus or car to any of the villages where the custom of Surva is still alive and enjoy the unique tradition of the region of Pernik in its natural habitat.
Municipality Radomir
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Radomir municipality: 540km2
Population of Radomir municipality: 22964 people
Total Towns and Cities in Radomir municipality: 1
Total Villages in Radomir municipality: 31
The Radomir municipality is located in South-West Bulgaria in Pernik District. The Municipality consists of town of Radomir and 31 villages. The Municipality is situated in the Radomir hollow along the course of the Strouma River between the Konyovska Mountain, Gologlavski Vissochini heights and the mountains Golo Bardo, Verila and Cherna Gora. Radomir Municipality borders on Pernik Municipality to the north, Samokov to the east, the municipalities of Doupnitsa and Bobov Dol to the south, and Kustendil town, Zemen village and Kovachevtsi village to the west. The relief is semi-mountainous. The average altitude above sea level is 600 - 660 meters. The territory of the Municipality is crossed by main roads Е-871, Е-627, Е-69 and the railway lines Sofia - Kustendil and Sofia - Koulata.
The almost flat relief, the closeness to Sofia city and Pernik city, as well as the good transport communications have facilitated the development of a number of industrial branches and especially of heavy machine-building. Also the business with homes for rent in Bulgaria is well developed.
Municipality Breznik
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Breznik municipality: 404km2
Population of Breznik municipality: 7559 people
Total Towns and Cities in Breznik municipality: 1
Total Villages in Breznik municipality: 34
The Breznik municipality is in Pernik District (Western Bulgaria) and is located in the Western half of the Graovsko field. The average altitude above sea level is 750 m; the arable land is 204,000,000 sq. m. The municipal center town of Breznik is at a distance of 50 km from Sofia and 18 km from the district center Pernik.
The relief in the municipality Breznik is varied, the climate is moderate continental. To the northeast the valley borders Viskyar Mountain, and to the south and southwest it reaches Lubach and Cherna Gora mountains. Typical for the municipality are natural reserves of oil shale, red sandstone, and iron-containing mineral water that promote building homes for rent in Bulgaria to attract tourists. The territory of the municipality is crossed by small rivers such as the Svetlya, the Konska, and the Mala Reka. There are micro-dam lakes in many of the population centers, namely Begounovtsi, Slakovtsi, Konska, Izvor and Breznik. Many of the dams have been granted under concessions and are used for fish breeding, irrigation, tourism.
Municipality Kovachevtsi
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Kovachevtsi municipality: 139.1km2
Population of Kovachevtsi municipality: 1656 people
Total Villages in Kovachevtsi municipality: 9
The Kovachevtsi Municipality is located in Pernik District in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. Most of its territory is of semi-mountainous and mountainous nature. Parts of the mountain elevations have been deforested and turned into pastures. They have the common name of Roudinite. The Pchelina Dam Lake was built within the municipal territory. It is on the rivers Strouma and Svetlya and holds 49 million cubic meters of water. The minicipal center is village of Kovachevtsi.
Tourism sight in Kovachevtsi region: The water of the Dam Lake is used for a year-long amateur fishing but there are also possibilities for industrial fishing. Along the coastline of the Pchelina Dam Lake holiday houses with a total of about 500 beds have been built. A private complex with a swimming pool and a restaurant was built. Beside there are many homes for rent in Bulgaria all around the dam. There is a medieval rock chapel over the dam lake. The training of the national rowing teams takes place every year in the water of the dam lake.
Municipality Trun
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Trun municipality: 600km2
Population of Trun municipality: 4747 people
Total Towns and Cities in Trun municipality: 1
Total Villages in Trun municipality: 51
The Trun Municipality is situated in the southwestern part of Bulgaria along the state border with the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro, where there is a border control point near Strazemirovtsi village. It is 27 kilometres away from the town of Breznik and 15 km from the border with Serbia and Montenegro. The town has 2,930 inhabitants. One dinstinctive feature of the town is that a unique dialect of the Bulgarian language is spoken in Tran. This dialect differs so greatly from ordinary Bulgarian that someone from a nearby town such as Pernik could not understand it easily. The Erma River which flows from the town has formed a magnificient george known as Zhdreloto. Tran holds the Bulgarian lowest temperature record at -38.3°C (-36.94 F°) registered in the winter of 1947.
The relief is mountainous and semi-mountainous with clearly manifested continental climate. A number of mountain rivers and streams flow through the area. There are two regions with distinctive differences, namely: Znepole - a small hollow of 770 m altitude above sea level; and the mountains of Kraishte geographic region - Lubash, Kopren, Ogorelitsa, Vargaivitsa, Svredlovitsa and Karvav Kamik; these mountains are of average altitude 1,500 m above sea level. The Erma River is the biggest river in Tran Municipality. Numerous villages are situated in its valley. Trun town is located on a small terrace on the left bank of the Erma and is surrounded by mountains. The only road passing through Tran town connects it to Pernik and Sofia and to Strezemirovtsi border control point.
Trun is an environmentally clean region. There are vast forest massifs, as well as mineral springs with very good drinking quality and healing properties of the water. There are excellent mountain tourism conditions in the Tran region. The most famous route is to the peak of Ruyi, the highest in the region, which discloses a wonderful view to the whole Znepole. There are very good conditions for fishing in the micro-dam nearby Yarlovtzi village. Indeed the possibilities in Tran region for the recently very popular eco, village or cultural tourism are endless. That’s why a great number of homes for rent in Bulgaria are offered around.
Municipality Zemen
Location: South-West Bulgaria
Province: Pernik District
Area size of Zemen municipality: 253km2
Population of Zemen municipality: 3307 people
Total Towns and Cities in Zemen municipality: 1
Total Villages in Zemen municipality: 18
The Zemen Municipality is part of Pernik District. It is 42 km to the southwest of Pernik and 70 km away from Sofia. The town of Zemen is located in a little trough along the valley of the Strouma River and has semi-mountainous relief. The altitude is 700 m above sea level. The railway from Sofia to Kyustendil /Gyueshevo/ passes through its territory. It is part of the envisaged Transport Corridor No. 8, which is to connect the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea.
The most often visited tourist site by both Bulgarian and foreign tourists is the Zemen Monastery. It is 1л5 km from the Zemen Railway Station.
Struma River
The course of the Struma in Bulgaria: Origin - the south slopes of Vitosha, Bulgaria; Mouth Aegean Sea, Greece;
Basin countries: Bulgaria, Greece
Length: 415 km
Source elevation: 2,180 m
Avg. discharge: from 2,117 m³/s at Pernik to 76,167 m³/s at Marino pole
Basin area: 10,797 km² in Bulgaria
The Struma or Strymónas (Bulgarian: Струма, IPA /'struma/, Greek: Στρυμόνας /stri'monas/) is a river in Bulgaria and Greece. Its ancient name was Strymōn (Greek: Στρυμών /stry'mɔːn/). Its catchment area is 10,800 km². It takes its source from the Vitosha Mountain in Bulgaria, runs first westward, then southward, enters Greek territory at the Kula village and flows into the Aegean Sea, near Kavála in the Serres prefecture. The river's length is 415 km (of which 290 km in Bulgaria, making it the country's fifth longest). A bridge over the Struma in BulgariaThe river valley is a coal-producing area of Bulgaria. The Greek portion is a valley which is dominant in agriculture. The tributaries include the Rila River.
The Ancient Greek city of Amphipolis was founded at the river's entrance to the Aegean, and the Battle of Kleidion was fought by the river in 1014. In 1913, the Greek Army was trapped in the Kresna Gorge of the Struma during the Second Balkan War. The Bulgarians were defeated in the war, however, and the Treaty of Bucharest resulted in significant territorial losses for Bulgaria. The ship Struma, which carried Jewish refugees out of Romania in World War II and subsequently sunk in the Black Sea, causing nearly 800 deaths, is named after river’s name.
