Samokov, Mountain municipality seat in Sofia Province, Bulgaria.
Samokov spreads across a high valley cut by the Iskar River and surrounded by four mountain ranges: Rila, Vitosha, Verila, and Plana. The town sits in a natural basin with forested slopes rising on all sides.
The settlement began in the 14th century as a mining community founded by Saxon miners during the Bulgarian Empire's expansion of metal production. It later grew into a leading center of European metalworking.
Metal craftsmanship shaped this town from the 16th to 18th centuries, when water-powered forges produced horseshoes, nails, and weapons for the entire region. This tradition drew skilled workers and made it an economic center of the country.
The valley has several entry roads and remains connected to Sofia through regular bus services linking visitors to the surrounding area. The best visiting months are May through September, when mountain walks and climbing routes are most accessible.
The name "Samokov" comes from the self-operating water hammers used in the forges, which moved automatically through water power. This machinery was unusual for its time and made local metalworks models for other regions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Musala
17.8 km
Rila National Park
17.3 km
Tsari Mali Grad
14.4 km
Tsarska Bistritsa
9.4 km
Parangalitza
17.8 km
Samokov Nunnery
770 m
Sitnyakovo
11.4 km
Tsentralen Rilski Rezervat
17.8 km
Shishmanovo kale
4.4 km
Iskar Cascade
14 km
Deno
16.1 km
Iretschek
17.2 km
Belyova Church
2.9 km
Shishmanovo Monastery
12.5 km
Bayrakli Mosque, Samokov
272 m
Mechit
17.5 km
Museum of History
468 m
Fountain with earring
330 m
Sveti Nikola church
1 km
Church of Saint Petka, Belchin
14.5 km
Преображение Господне
8.5 km
Synagogue in Samokov
597 m
St. Peter
14.9 km
Ochusha Monastery
16.7 km
Въведение Богородично (Самоков)
833 m
Clock Tower of Dolna Banya
17.3 km
Yastrebets
12.5 km
Chitalishte Otets Paisyi 1859
428 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes