Bankya is a well-known resort centre, situated 17 km to the west of Sofia, on the northern hilly foot of Lyulin Mountain, at 630-750 m above the sea level. The climate is temperate continental with a weak mountain influence. The average annual air temperature is 9.4 °С with an average temperature in January of + 2 °С an average temperature in July + 19.6 °С. The climate in Bankya is unique because every 2-3 hours an air current from the direction of Vitosha and Lyulin Mountain blows into town thus filling the atmosphere with freshness and oxygen (negative air ions). A key healing factor in the resort is the mineral water which springs with a temperature of 36.5 °С – 37 °С. It is with low mineralisation, hypothermal, hydro carbonate – sulphate – sodium, mild, clear, colour and smell-free with a very pleasant taste.
Balneo treatment with mineral water from Bankya is carried out in baths, swimming pools, through underwater massage, inhalations, drinking the water, and the impact on the organism is local and overall. The proper and systematic use is an important protection against tiredness and over-fatigue, as well as inhibition of the ageing processes. It facilitates and speeds up the recovery processes after heavy diseases and prevents complications and chronic displays of the condition.
Divotin Monastery called Saint Trinity
The Saint Trinity Divotin Monastery is situated in Lyulin Mountain in the area of the Pernik village Divotino – approximately 2 km to the southwest of Mihailovo Residential Area of Bankya. The monastery was founded in the 10th century and was restored in 19 century (1875). The legend about its foundation is also very interesting. It is assumed to be founded by Tsar Peter in the 10th century. The legend itself is about the time of the Ottoman invasion. Before the monastery was burnt down the monks managed to hide some of its treasures. For years treasure hunters have been looking for these treasures without any luck. One day "the voice of God" told a man from Divotino and his wife the exact location. They loaded the tools on the donkey and went to the area of the monastery at the exact place and it was not long before they found a barrel of gold coins. They decided to build a monastery with some of the money. As they were wondering where to build it, they were riding their donkey around the forest. All of a sudden the animal stopped, lied down and did not move. This is the exact location of today's monastery, and the area itself is called Imaneto (the Treasure). Even back in 1810 there was a monastery school there.
Saint Petka Rock Monastery
Apart from the famous Klisura Monastery in the Balkan Mountains, a smaller monastery with the same name, called after the nearby village of Klisura is located in the vicinity of Sofia. Hidden at the foot of Lyulin Mountain and only 8 km away from the resort town Bankya you can find the Saint Petka Rock Monastery, called the pearl of Sofia monasteries. Saint Petka Rock Monastery cuddles under the Ukreplenieto Peak (1024 m above sea level) in Lyulin Mountain, at around 1.5 km to the northwest of Klisura Village. The monastery was founded in 13th century and it was restored in 18th century and three times in the 20th century (1944, 1954 and 1998). Initially Saint Petka Rock Monastery was built on an ancient road connecting Sofia with Breznik Village. The old church was built more than 300 years ago, but unfortunately in 1954 it collapsed under the burden of its age. Today's church Saint Petka was built in its place by the Mother Superior Maria Magdalina (1896 - 1978). At present it is a functioning convent. It is a complex of a church, residential and housing buildings, and the new residential building, built in 1998, is the home of Saint Archangel Gavrail Chapel. Saint Petka Monastery is a monument of culture.
Martyrs Kirik and Yulita Church
Built in 1932 and consecrated by the Sofia Bishop Stefan. The main benefactors are Mihail Tenevi, Elena and Hristo Trankarovi. The icons were painted by a group of famous Bulgarian painters lead by Prof. Hristo Petrov. The iconostasis is a monument of culture. The church is situated in the centre of the town, it is functioning and is easily accessible.
Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius Church
Located in the nearby village Ivanyane. Built in 1915. Also easily accessible because of the asphalted road to the village.
Kesteni Park
It is the park built in the centre of the town nearby the mineral springs. The mineral bath was built as per design of the Munich architect Prof. Karl Hocheder in 1907-1910. It was the fist mineral healing bath building in Bulgaria taking into account the then modern technical facilities. It is a very good place for recreation and rest. It is also a place to get the healing mineral water. One walk in the town park will have an extremely refreshing effect on everyone, and in the centre of the town one can fill a bottle with the hot mineral water with proven treatment qualities from a beautiful marble fountain.
Dimitar Blagoev House Museum
One of the places where Dimitar Blagoev Nikolov - the Grandfather lived. He was born in Zagorichani Village (situated in Greece today) – a Bulgarian politician and philosopher, founder of the organised socialist movement in Bulgaria and the first Social Democratic Party on the Balkan Peninsular. A supporter of the ideas of Marx in his articles he widely launches the idea for the organisation of the working class and giving political essence to their struggles. He played a leading role in organising the cooperation between the Social Democratic Parties on the Balkans.
