About the

Village of Banya

Discover Banya, Bulgaria

Village of Banya is a hidden gem located just 5 km from Bansko and Razlog, and 156 km from Sofia. This small village is renowned for its over 70 mineral springs and is situated in the picturesque Razlog Valley.

Surrounded by three majestic mountains—Pirin, Rila, and Rodopi—Village of Banya offers stunning mountain views, summer coolness, and crystal-clear air. With a population of around 3,000 residents, Village Banya is a popular destination for numerous tourists year-round.

Visitors are drawn to Village of Banya not only for its therapeutic mineral waters and beautiful mountain panorama but also for the tranquil atmosphere of small settlements. The village is home to significant historical and cultural landmarks:

Ottoman Hammam 'Murtina Bath'

"A city is ideal only when it has a bath," said Abu Sir, one of the earliest Arab historians. The Turkish bath in Village of Banya, known as “Murtina Bath,” was constructed with a donation from a wealthy Turkish family and is characteristic of Ottoman public baths in the Balkans, built during the 15th to 20th centuries. It is believed to have been built in the 17th century due to its architectural similarity to ancient Bulgarian baths.

The Turkish bath features two entrances, as Turks traditionally enter the bath with their left foot through the left door and exit through the right. For the warm waters, they used "Blessed Water" at 54°C, which was mixed with cold river water flowing directly under the bath. After its restoration in 2012, the bath continues to offer an authentic experience and remains a significant attraction for tourists.

The Old Bulgarian (Roman) Bath

The Old Bulgarian „Roman bath“ is a beautifully preserved symbol of Village Banya, surviving through the centuries. Built in a typical Roman style, the bath features hypocaust heating with stone rows and flat baked bricks. The walls are equipped with channels through which hot water flows, further heating the bath and creating a cozy atmosphere even during cold winter days.

The bath includes niches for leaving personal belongings and a small niche for lighting. The water mixer, which blends hot (54°C) and cold water to achieve the perfect bathing temperature, is still preserved. The pool features its original floor, and the basins have been crafted from marble after restoration to highlight the contrast between the past and present.

Explore these unique historical and cultural landmarks that add to the charm of Village Banya and offer an exceptional experience for every visitor.