Cities
Batak
Bulgaria


Location: The town of Batak is located in the in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains, 26 km from Velingrad, 147 km from Sofia, 60 km from Plovdiv and 111 km from Smolyan.

Population: 3 550 inhabitants.

History: In ancient times Batak was a tiny settlement on a minor road linking central Thrace with northern Greece. Legend relates that Alexander the Great passed through here on campaign, and that in Roman times a small fort was built to guard the road south through the mountains. The modern town was created under the ottoman rule in the XVI century. It remained insignificant until April 1876, when a general uprising was in progress in Bulgaria against the ottoman rule.

Landmarks:

  • The church of Sveta Nedelya is the place that makes the town infamous in Bulgarian history. Batak took part in the uprising in April 1876. The town was assaulted by the ottoman army and its citizens fought heroically although they were outnumbered. The last survivors (more than 2000 citizens among which men, women and children) sought refuge in the church where they were massacred. The church still bears the marks of that day - bullet holes riddle the walls and a few damaged skulls rest in an open tomb.

Surroundongs:

  • Batak lake – situated 3 km North-East of the town. Many tourists come here to enjoy summer activities. The lake is set among the western Rhodope Mountains and is a very peaceful and beautiful place surrounded by nature.