Known locally as a chitalishte - Bulgaria's distinctive kind of community cultural centre - the Nikola Vaptsarov institute is the largest of its kind in the Bansko municipality. It was founded in 1894 under the name "Rural Rest," and has kept the town's literary heritage and local customs alive ever since.
What happens there
The centre hosts a full calendar of local groups and events: folklore dance and sports dance troupes, a folklore orchestra, children's and adult choirs, and a school of arts teaching piano, accordion, mandolin, folk singing and dance.
The library
Its library holds Bulgarian, English, Russian and other-language collections spanning fiction, linguistics, politics, philosophy, history and geography, with a reading room offering free computer and internet access.
Visiting
- Address 1 Nikola Vaptsarov Square, 2770 Bansko
- Hours Mon-Fri, 8:00-12:00 & 13:00-17:00