Smolyan

Smolyan is located in the central part of the Western Rhodopes, 15 km south of Pamporovo, in the narrow gorge of the Cherna River. With a length of about 25 km, Smolyan is the longest town in Bulgaria due to its linear development, and it is also the smallest regional center in the country. The town is situated at an altitude of 1035 meters and is named after the Slavic tribe of Smolyani that inhabited the area. Historical names include Ezerovo, Ah Chelebi, and Pashmakli.
In Smolyan, you will find over 100 architectural monuments, and the neighboring Zlatograd offers significant architectural complexes with a total of 108 sites. The town is known for its modern center, designed in harmony with local traditions and the environment. Among the attractions are the Planetarium, the “St. Visarion of Smolyan” church, the Regional Historical Museum “Stoyu Shishkov,” the Art Gallery, the Rhodope Drama Theater “Nikolay Haytov,” and the Memorial House Museum “Laszlo Nagy.”
Smolyan is home to the cosmic Valya Balkanska and the birthplace of actress Anya Pencheva. Don’t miss the chance to taste local specialties in the town’s cozy taverns.