Nikola Vaptsarov Square

Nikola Vaptsarov Square is the civic and festival centre of Bansko. Designed by architect Aleksandar Barov, it was reconstructed in 1988–89 to mark the eightieth anniversary of the poet’s birth, with the existing trees retained in the new layout. The square is bordered by the municipal offices, the chitalishte cultural centre and Vaptsarov’s house museum, and includes a monument to the poet. Its open space accommodates music, folk and opera festivals, seasonal celebrations and public ceremonies. Fountains and sculpture form part of a setting used both for everyday gatherings and for the town’s larger outdoor cultural events. Bansko's main square carries the name of the poet Nikola Vaptsarov, born in the town in 1909, whose family house stands on it. Beneath the Pirin mountains the summer jazz festival plays there, and opera has been given in the open under the peaks, Puccini's La bohème among the works staged.