Kyustendil: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Kyustendil lies at the southern end of the basin of the same name, at the foot of the Osogovo Mountains, at an altitude of 560 metres. A prominent testament to the region’s history is Hisarlaka Fortress: in 1977, it was included in the National Architectural and Archaeological Reserve “Pautalia–Velbazhd–Kyustendil” and underwent extensive restoration and conservation work in 2014. Those looking to rent a holiday apartment in Kyustendil can then continue their search for accommodation.

Culture

The collections of the Regional History Museum comprise more than 118,000 objects from all historical periods. An interactive virtual tour is available for the medieval Church of St. George.

The St. George Museum Complex includes a preserved church dating from the 11th to 12th century with five layers of frescoes; the oldest dates from the time of construction. The Vladimir Dimitrov–Maystora Art Gallery is described as a gallery housing Bulgaria’s largest and most important collection of the artist’s works; its permanent exhibition comprises around 100 works.

Trails and Nature

For the city centre, there is an easy tourist walking route lasting approximately 2–3 hours and covering around 2 kilometres. It is suitable for independent travellers, families, school groups and organised excursions.

Ezerata Eco Park includes two artificial lakes connected by a tunnel bridge, as well as a footpath, landscaped areas and rest areas. A 21-kilometre-long asphalt road connects Kyustendil with the main tourist attractions and trailheads in the Osogovo Mountains.

Tsarna Reka Reserve is the only protected area in the Osogovo Mountains and was established to preserve characteristic forest ecosystems.

Cuisine

The cherries, apples and plums from Kyustendil are described as fruits with excellent flavour and an ecologically clean origin. Kyustendiler zelnik is a banitsa-style pastry in which one sheet of dough encloses the remaining sheets, with the filling in the middle.

Getting There

Kyustendil is connected to other places in Bulgaria by regular bus and train services.

Those looking to rent a holiday apartment in Kyustendil can compare additional destination pages for the next step: Sapareva Banya, Panichishte, Nevestino, Pastra, Dupnitsa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kyustendil Province.