Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria and one of the main centers of wine production in the country. Beautifully situated among surprising rock formations called the Melnica Pyramids, it is famous for picturesque buildings, ruins of a fortress and wine cellars carved in the rocks.
The town has its roots in ancient times, but it experienced its golden age in the Middle Ages. In the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the capital of a small country ruled by the Asenowicz dynasty. During the reign of Alexius the Slav, a fortress was erected, the ruins of which today tower over the later, mainly 18th century buildings.
The location of Melnik is exceptionally attractive. It is situated in a valley surrounded by sandstone formations resembling pyramids. Further up are the steep slopes of Pirin, Bulgaria's second highest mountain range. The surrounding hills are covered with grapevines, which have been the basis of local agriculture for centuries.
Melnik is not only the name of the city, but also the oldest Bulgarian wine grape. No wonder that in Melnik you can buy wine at every turn, both in restaurants, wine bars, street stalls, and in cellars carved in the rocks. There is also a Wine Museum showing the centuries-old traditions of the production of this drink.
The buildings of Melnik are among its main attractions. There are traditional, tiled houses, including the most famous ones, such as the House of Kordopułowa and the House of Boyars. Under the first one, there is a labyrinth of cellars used to store wine. Among the houses, you can see numerous churches, including the 17th-century Church of St. Nicholas or the Church of St. Anthony. A valuable attraction and monument in the vicinity of Melnik is the Rozan Monastery located a few kilometers from the town.
