The Region of Kyustendil is situated in the South-Western part of Bulgaria, extends over an area of 3084,30 sq.km. (constituting 2,7% of the total territory of the Republic of Bulgaria), and has a population of 173 889.  It borders the Regions of Sofia, Pernik and Blagoevgrad, while to the west, its limits coincide with the state borders between Bulgaria and the FYROM, and Bulgaria and the Republic of Sarbia. The administrative, commercial and cultural center of the Region is Kyustendil. The region
features diverse surface relief - fertile valleys and canyons, separated by hillocks and mountains. The northern and western parts of the territory form the so-called "Kyustendilsko kraishte" (Kyustendil Cornerland), and include parts of the cross-border Milevska, Chudinska, Zemenska and - to the east - Konyavska mountains. To the south, the Kyustendilsko kraishte reaches as far as the valleys of the Dragovishtitsa and Bistritsa rivers, as well as the Lisets mountain. The southern part of the region includes massifs of the Osogovo, Vlahina and North-Western Rila mountains, embracing the Kamenitsa, Kyustendil and Dupnitsa lowerlands.

The region abunds with granites, clays, fossils, and ores. Polymetal ores are excavated in Osogovo; brown coals in the famous Bobov dol mines. Clays deposits are located at the villages of Chetirtsi, Yahinovo and Dragovishtitsa. The region, however, is most famous for its numerous mineral water springs: hot mineral water springs in Kyustendil, Sapareva banya, the villages of Nevestino and Chetirtsi. A marvel of nature, found in the region are the Stobski piramidi (Stob pyramids).

For the most part, the climate is trans-continental, but at higher altitudes it is mountainous. The main drainage river is the Struma whose subsidiaries are the Treklyanska, Dragovishtitsa, Bistritsa, Slokoshtitsa, Novoselska, Dzherman and Rila rivers. Subterran waters level is relatively high. Near the village of Kamenichka Skakavitsa, the Golemi dol river forms a 70-meter-high waterfall. The Dyakovo, Bersin, Drenov dol and Bagrentsi artificial lakes (dams) are chiefly used for irrigation purposes. Soil composition is most favorable for the traditionally-developed fruit-growing.

Forest vegetation is mostly deciduous, although coniferous forests are also present. In the Gabra natural reservation (area: 89,5 metric hektars) houses the last remaining black-pine trees.

The Region of Kyustendil includes 9 municipalities: Kyustendil, Dupnitsa, Bobov dol, Sapareva banya, Rila, Kocherinovo, Nevestino, Boboshevo, Treklyano with a total of 182 settlements. The regional administrative center is the town of Kyustendil situated in its Southwestern part: the Kyustendil lowerland. The town also serves as the administrative center of the municipality of Kyustendil
(with an area of 923 sq.km., this Municipality represents 30,2% of the total territory of the Region), with a population of 73 346, of whom 51 300 are residents of the town area. Four main transport routes pass through Kyustendil: from the FYROM on the Skopie-Sofia high-way; from the FRY on the Nish-Bosilegrad-Kyustendil high-way; through Dupnitsa and Kyustendil passes the oldest commercial road that for centuries has linked Constantinople and the Adriatic Sea. Kyustendil has managed to preserve is historical, ecological and cultural heritage. It is a contemporary Bulgarian administrative center, whose future is mostly seen in the development of cultural tourism, and modern rehabilitation resort centers
by the hot mineral water springs.

Administrative division of Kyustendil Region

PHOTO ALBUM "Kyustendil throughout the years..."

Kyustendil in 1912

("General Landscape")

Kyustendil in the 1930s

(City Gardens)

Kyustendil in 1945

(A view to Hissarlaka)

Kyustendil in the 1980s

(General view to the town)

Kyustendil in 2000

Kyustendil in 2000

Kyustendil in 2000

(Jewish market-place)

"I think that Kyustendil cherries are the best in the world, and - believe me - I have tasted many..."
--James E. Day,

former Senior Vice-President
"Riggs National Bank",

Washington, D.C., USA

The famous Kyustendil artist:

Vladimir Dimitrov-"the Master"

Every year, on March 21, Kyustendil celebrates the coming of spring with what has turned into a traditional town feast, culminating in a beauty-contest

"Kyustendil Spring"

In the smiles and faces of the young men and women, one can recognize the descendants of the ancient Bulgars.

Eversince ancient times, Kyustendil has been well-known for its miraculous mineral-water springs.  Roman Emperors, Byzantine Basileusi, and Turkish Sultants have treated their illnesses here...

The Geiser, the temperature of whose water is 103 Centigrade, is a valuable resource for the Municipality of Sapareva Banja. It is, in fact, the hottest mineral water geiser in Continental Europe...

"Kadin most" (Kadin bridge)

Village of Nevestino
A legend has it, that, in order to insure the stability of the bridge, the ancient craftsman incorporated into the masonry works the body of the most beautiful of the village girls...

The "Yuchbunar" Residence is an attractive place for VIP tourism...

Rila National Park - one of the most pictoresque places in Bulgaria..

The Valley of Zemen is spectacular with its rare natural beauties...