Happy TravellerWelcome to Kyustendil, a charming town located in the far west of Bulgaria, close to the borders of Serbia and North Macedonia. This hidden gem is the capital of the Kyustendil Province and a former bishopric with a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. Kyustendil is situated in the southern part of the Kyustendil Valley, offering stunning views of the Osogovo mountain range. Join us as we uncover the many treasures of Kyustendil and reveal why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
History:
Kyustendil has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age when a Thracian settlement was founded on the site of the modern town. Later known as Pautalia in the Roman era, the town was a major religious and administrative center of the Byzantine Empire and subsequently the Second Bulgarian Empire. In the Middle Ages, the town switched hands between the Byzantine Empire, Bulgaria, and Serbia, prior to Ottoman annexation in 1395. After centuries of Ottoman rule, the town became part of an independent Bulgarian state in 1878.
Economy:
Kyustendil is a center of light and manufacturing industry, with a focus on logging, footwear, knitwear, ready-made clothes, toys, packaging
