THE TOWN OF SANDANSKI

They call Sandanski the warmest city in Bulgaria. It is located at 240 meters altitude, and the climate is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean. The average yearly temperature is +14.7 degrees; the winters are mild and warm. The unique microclimate is suitable for lung disease treatment.

Sandanski is a popular balneological and spa center. There are 80 springs in the area, the temperature of which ranges from 42 to 81 degrees (Celsius). The salinity of the water is low; it has a rich chemical composition. It is successfully used for treatment and prevention of many diseases of the respiratory tract, artro-rheumatism, diseases of the loco-motor system, the nervous system etc.

The specific natural, geographical and climatic characteristics of the town of Sandanski, as well as the presence of mineral springs, are the reasons for its habitation for thousands of years (II millennium BC). The town of today has been built over a number of antient layers.

During the Roman period these lands were inhabited by the Thracian tribe Maedi, which is the tribe of the great warrior Spartacus. With his strength, courage and pursuit of justice he became the leader of the biggest slave rebellion in the Roman Empire.

In the same period Sandanski became the most significant early Christian center in the region. Evidence for that is its rich archeological heritage, preserved by Archeological Museum of Sandanski. The museum is built “in-situ” over the ruins of Bishop John’s Basilica (IV c.) and is one of the few of its kind. On the territory of the town is located and preserved part of the antient town – Early Christian Complex (IV-VI c.) and the Bishop’s Basilica (IV-VI c.) – the most representative and significant monument of early Christian art in the region.

Later on, (VI-VII c.) the silverless saints Kozma and Damian settled in this place and helped the sick with the healing powers of the mineral water, climate and Christian faith. The place of their antient clinic is known today as Miroto spring, and for their home they chose a small monastery, which nowadays bears their names – “St. st. Kozma and Damian the Silverless”. In their honour the settlement was called “Sveti Vrach” – holy healers.

The big movement of the European tribes at the end of 6th and the beginning of 7th century put an end to the heyday of antient Sandanski. It wasn’t before the beginning of 20th century that the small village of Sveti Vrach began its economic and cultural progress, which is evident to us today. In 1929 Sveti Vrach was declared a town and in 1947 was renamed Sandanski – in honour of the Bulgarian revolutionary and leader Yane Sandanski. From then on Sandanski continuous the tradition to use the local natural resources and in combination with the modern technologies and new knowledge to help people, suffering from various deseases.

Additional information
Opening time: Tourist Information Center Sandanski
From Monday to Sunday (including public holidays)
9:00 – 19:00 – winter season
10:00 – 20:00 – summer season