Asenovgrad is an ancient Bulgarian town with a mediaeval fortress, dramatic past and unique beauty. Situated on the top of the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, the town is a wonderful place where the Nature generously has poured down its blessing. It lies in the embrace of forests, at the threshold of a green valley and in the middle of the town lies the River Asenitsa.
The old name of Asenovgrad, STANIMAKA, is connected with this specific location. 'Stenimahos' means a 'mountain threshold'.
In the past and now Asenovgrad has been a considerable trade center and connection between Trace lowland and Rhodopes. It has not only the strategic situation but mountain area, plain, woods, favourable climate , fertile soils, as well.
Asenovgrad is famous for its vine-growing and wine-making industry, there are the numerous wine-cellars. Here is produced the world-famous Asenovgrad's Mavrud.
History
The archeological monuments shed ample light on the early history of the town. The place was inhabited in the 7th millennium BC and repeatedly changed hands. Numerous Tracian tribes lived there at first to be succeeded later by Romans, Byzantines and Latins. The town witnessed epic battles, glory and defeat. Its rocky peaks and green moors rang with the clatter of hooves of the enemy's horses, with the echo of battles which brought it glory.
In 1364 the Turkish conquered Stanimaka. But even in Ottoman domination, Asenovgrad survived in spite of atrocities and arsons.
'Bulgarian Jerusalem'
Asenovgrad is called 'Bulgarian Jerusalem' because in this town there are 8 churches and 46 chapels (little churches) and near it there are 4 monasteries.
Asen's fortress.
Near Asenovgrad is situated a fortress, built in 9th century, called later Asens'fortress. It is the pride and symbol of this town. Asen's fortress was built by Byzantines to guard the town. There is a church, perched on the fortress enclosure. Its name is 'The Holy Virgin of Petritch and it is a cross domed church. It is cross-domed church. It is exquisite architectural monument of 12th – 13th century that has survived until our time.
Bachkovo Monastery
Bachkovo Monastery is situated on the northern part of the central Rhodopes, in the valley of river Asenitsa, 10 km away from Asenovgrad. It was founded 1080 by Byzantine military commander, The Georgian Grigori Bakuriani. Many cultural monuments of the period between the 9th and 19th century are preserved in Bachkovo Monastery. They dokument the process of construction of the building, the advancement of literature, arts and crafts there. Exquisite gold art crafts, icons, etc. are displayed in the monastery museum
