Location:
Dolna Banya Municipality is located in Southwestern Bulgaria and is one of the 22 municipalities forming Sofia Region, as its location is equidistant from Sofia and Plovdiv, south of the Trakia highway, and 8 km from the Kostenets railway station, which provides fast and convenient transportation. It consists of two settlements – the town of Dolna Banya and the village of Sveti Spas.
Culture:
The municipality can boast a diverse and attractive cultural calendar, which includes folklore celebrations, holidays and festivals, which reveal a wide potential for linking cultural activities with the tourism industry in the municipality. On the territory of Dolna Banya Municipality there is one operating community center – the Rila – 1898 National Community Center, holder of the title “Exemplary” and the Cyril and Methodius Order – second degree. Various activities, activities and clubs are held there, free of charge, according to the wishes and interests of the children.
Education:
There are 3 educational institutions on its territory – Sofia University “Neofit Rilski”, Vocational High School “Hristo Botev” and Primary School “Yuri Gagarin”, and another kindergarten is under construction.
Social activities:
The municipality has a highly developed policy in the field of social services – there are 13 working social services – 7 family-type centers, transitional housing, social patronage, centers for public support, for working with street children, for social rehabilitation and integration and for adults with disabilities.
Tourism:
There is an active tourist association in the city – “Ibar”, which is the successor to the established branch “Ibarski Turist” of the Bulgarian Tourist Association, Sofia. It is the first rural tourist association in Bulgaria, which is still active today and organizes tourist hikes all year round.
The village of Sveti Spas /the former Dolna Banya Villa Zone/ offers many opportunities for tourism, mountain biking, excursions, walks, mushroom and herb picking. There are the Gerginitsa and Venetitsa chalets, which accommodate locals and tourists all year round.
On the territory of the town of Dolna Banya, there are three hotels with hot mineral springs that are open all year round – Hotel Nikol, Hotel Complex Dolna Banya and Complex Evropa, 1 family hotel located in the city center, guest houses and complexes that receive a large flow of tourists and guests every day.
Attractions:
Within the borders of the Dolna Banya Valley, there is one of the most powerful hot mineral springs, around which two buildings were built in the past – one, built on Roman foundations, is known as the “Roman Bath” (reconstructed in 2014, with its architectural appearance fully preserved), and the other is preserved as the women’s section of today’s hygienic bath.
The municipality also hosts the Ostrich Entertainment Farm, which breeds “black African ostriches” known for their impressive plumage.
Another local landmark is the numerous stork nests, and the municipality has repeatedly won a competition for the largest number of stork nests in Bulgaria.
The first privately certified airport in Bulgaria is also located here – Dolna Banya Airport, with its main activity being the training of professional and amateur pilots through the Ratan Flight Training Organization. The airport also offers services such as aircraft rental, storage and technical maintenance of aircraft, as well as the possibility of renting the airport for various events.
The Clock Tower and the Museum are two of the main cultural landmarks of the city and play an important role in preserving the historical heritage of the area.
The Clock Tower is located in the central part of the city and is clearly visible from many places in it. It was built in the 19th century, when Dolna Banya was developing as a small commercial center. The tower is practical for orientation and is an aesthetic addition to the city’s architecture.
The museum in Dolna Banya is housed in the old local school. It displays exhibits, stories, paintings and costumes, part of the life and history of the people of Dolna Banya.
Sports
The “Dolna Banya Sports Complex” has been built and operates on the territory of the Dolna Banya municipality, in which there is a mini-football field, a football stadium, a running track, a long jump field, a basketball court, a playground, tennis courts; there are table tennis tables and outdoor fitness equipment; an outdoor swimming pool. Football groups have been formed, which train children of different age groups for free. The municipality also has a licensed sports club – Football Club “Levski” and a children’s football team.
