If you decide to take a pleasant walk not very far away from Sofia, you can visit one of the sunniest cities in Bulgaria - Pazardzhik.

We recommend starting your tour at the Regional History Museum, where you will learn about the historical development of Pazardzhik and the region.

Next to it is the emblem of the city - the statue of Spartacus. It is the work of sculptor Velichko Minekov. His works can be seen in galleries and outdoors both in Bulgaria and in Belgium, Germany and the USA.

Another work of the talented artist adorns the park in Pazardzhik - "The Lion" statue.

In the immediate vicinity of the museum one sees the building of the old post office of the city. It was built back in 1911 and is one of the symbols of Pazardzhik.

A clock tower stand on top.

Another tower from 1741, which served as a city clock, rises in the city center. It was destroyed in 1924, but in 2010 it was restored as close as possible to its original appearance.

In the niche where the original clock was, now there are sculptures of the patron saints of Pazardzhik - Sts. Constantine and Helena.

If you walk on the central street, you will reach one of the most favourite meeting places in the city - the Column. It was erected in 1985 on the occasion of the celebration of the five-century existence of Pazardzhik.

And on your way you can enjoy the interesting architecture, but also buy a hot, fragrant bagel from the yellow booths specially located in many places.

We continue our walk along the Maritsa River to the favourite place for a walk and rest - the park-island "Freedom".

One of the symbols of the city of Pazardzhik today occupies almost 300 decares. It also houses the longest bench in the world (1011 meters), which goes around part of the island along its outer edge and can seat 2020 people. In 2011, the bench applied for the Guinness Book of Records, but was not officially recognized because of the tables between the individual parts.

A monument to Aleko Konstantinov stands in the center of the island.

In the park you can see many sculptures and a picturesque group of… dinosaurs.

As well as two swings from the project "The Artists' Swings" – Van Gogh’s swing…

…and Salvador Dali’s swing.

And the greatest delight among children, in addition to the designated area for games and entertainment in the island park, is brought by the inhabitants of the zoo with over 30 species of animals, including lions, Amur tigers, raccoons, llamas, ponies, monkeys and many others.

But our walk does not end there, as in Pazardzhik you can visit many religious temples, house-museums and enjoy magnificent sculptures located throughout the city.

Author: Desislava Semkovska

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: Desislava Semkovska