Melnik: the back story

About Melnik: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Sofia Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Melnik, in the far south-west near the Greek border, is said to be the smallest town in Bulgaria, a single street of white Revival houses in a ravine surrounded by extraordinary sandstone pyramids, and famous for its wine.

The smallest town

Melnik was once a prosperous trading town of thousands; today only a few hundred people live here, among Revival houses such as the Kordopulov House, one of the largest in Bulgaria.

The sand pyramids

Around the town, wind and rain have carved the sandstone into pyramids, needles and towers, a protected natural landmark best seen from the paths above the town.

Melnik’s wine cellars are cut deep into the sandstone.

Wine

Melnik is famous for Shiroka Melnishka Loza, a spicy red grape, and its wine cellars are tunnelled into the rock; many offer tastings.

Rozhen Monastery

A walk of an hour or so over the hills, or a short drive, leads to Rozhen Monastery, with its frescoes and galleried courtyard.

Our advice: Melnik is about two and a half to three hours from Sofia by car; stay a night, walk to Rozhen Monastery, and taste wine in a cellar in the evening.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Melnik: the back story before you go.