Located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, this wine-making town is known for its medieval fortress and 40 Eastern Orthodox churches dating back to the 11th century.
Asenovgrad lies at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, 19 kilometers south of Plovdiv. The city's 78 churches, monasteries, and chapels include the 13th-century Church of St. Mary with its preserved medieval frescoes, and the active St. Petka Monastery where monks still maintain traditional wine-making practices. Along Bulgaria Boulevard, you'll find dozens of wedding dress ateliers, while the southern district's vineyards produce wines from native Bulgarian grape varieties.
Getting Around Asenovgrad
Regular buses connect Asenovgrad to Plovdiv (30 minutes) and Sofia (3 hours). The city center spans both banks of the Asenitsa River, with most religious buildings within a 15-minute walk from the main square. During summer evenings, a local wind pattern called "vechernik" keeps the temperature 3-4 degrees cooler than neighboring cities.
Churches and Monasteries
The active St. Petka Monastery opens daily from 7:00 to 19:00, with morning services at 7:30. At the Church of St. Kirik, local worshippers gather for morning prayers at 8:00, and the church holds special processions during Easter week and December 25-26. The Arapov Monastery, 8 kilometers east of the center, maintains a collection of 19th-century religious manuscripts.
Asen's Fortress
This 13th-century fortress sits on a cliff 2 kilometers from the city center. A paved road leads to the parking area, where a 10-minute uphill walk takes you to the entrance. Inside, the Church of St. Mary contains original 13th-century frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The fortress walls provide views across the Thracian Plain and the northern Rhodope Mountains. Open daily 8:00-18:00 (April-October) and 9:00-17:00 (November-March).
Natural Areas
Red Rock Reserve's marked trails lead past limestone formations where 27 orchid species grow. The trail to Slivodolsko waterfall starts at Martsiganitsa hut and takes 2 hours each way through beech forest. At 40 Springs resort, 12 kilometers south of town, natural springs maintain a year-round temperature of 15°C, creating good conditions for trout fishing.
Wedding Dress Shopping
More than 50 wedding dress makers work in central Asenovgrad, particularly along Bulgaria Boulevard. Each atelier specializes in specific styles - from embroidered Bulgarian designs to modern European cuts. Most shops accept walk-ins, though scheduling an appointment ensures dedicated fitting time. Many ateliers also create custom veils and accessories.
Wine Production
Vineyards cover the sunny slopes south of town, where winemakers grow Bulgarian varieties like Mavrud and Rubin. On February 1st (Trifon's Day), local vintners begin the growing season with the first vine pruning. Several wineries in the southern district welcome visitors for tastings, including the century-old Asenovgrad Winery where you can see traditional wine-making equipment.
