Blagoevgrad (Благоевград) is the largest city in the mountainous south-western corner of Bulgaria (pop. 70 000), in the valley of the Struma river that separates the rugged Rila and Pirin ranges from the mountains on the national border. The administrative center of Blagoevgrad Province, it's 90 km (56 mi) south of the capital Sofia, 20 km (12 mi) east of the border with North Macedonia, and 80 km (50 mi) north of the border with Greece.

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The central square in 2010

Streets of the Varosha neighborhood

Blagoevgrad is located in the northeast part of the historical geographic area of Macedonia. Blagoevgrad is known for the beautiful nature that surrounds it, the many local cultural sights and festivals. This is a busy and fast growing city. One may enjoy here many aspects of Bulgarian national culture, the traditions live on here. The town is famous for its nightlife, supported by a great number of pubs, called here krychmi (кръчми) or mehani (механи). Across the river from the city centre, there is the Varosha area, which is essentially the old town, and features the beautiful church Sveta Bogorodiza (built 1844), with a distinctly Bulgarian appearance.

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