The town of Samokov stands at 950 m altitude in the hollow of Samokov on the Iskar River valley, in the north sides of the Rila Mountain. It has a population of about 29 000 people and it is 11 km northwest of the Borovetz resort, 40 km to the east of Doupnitsa and 60 km southeast of the capital Sofia.
Romans inhabited that area and were mainly engaged in the processing of ores. Numerous furnaces and hammers, operating with water worked in the Middle Ages.

The biggest Art School in Bulgaria was opened in Samokov during the Revival period. The town was famous for its master icon- painters and artists. It is a birthplace of one of the most famous artists - the brothers Dimityr and Zakhari Zograf.

Today Samokov is a modern town, preserved its cultural and historical heritage, known as a centre of the potato production. Places of interest are the Historical Museum, the Nunnery Monastery, the "Uspenie Bogorodichno" church, "St. Nikola" church, the "Rojdestvo Bogorodichno" temple, etc. The Big Fountain - the symbol of the town, was built on the main square in 1662. According to the legend, one who drinks its water will stay here forever.

The town is a starting point for routes in the whole Rila Mountain.

The Borovets, Maliovitsa, Belchinski Mineral baths resorts are located not far away from Samokov.

The resort of Govedartsi is 12 km to the southwest and the resort of Dolna banya stands 29 km to the east.

Numerous hospitable hotels, taverns and restaurants function for the tourists.

Place of interest: Waterfall Polska skakavitsa, Rila Monastery

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