cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
A neo-Byzantine cathedral in Sofia and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
16 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeBulgariaSofia
Kostinbrod
Sofia, Bulgaria · Europe
About Kostinbrod
Kostinbrod is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Bozhurishte, 33km from Iskar Gorge.
Kostinbrod is in Sofia, Bulgaria, with about 12,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Bozhurishte, about 6 km away.
Kostinbrod (Bulgarian: Костинброд [ˈkɔstinbrot]) is a town in western Bulgaria. It is the seat of Kostinbrod Municipality. It is located 15 km west of the capital city of Sofia. It is located on two important transport corridors: Lom — Sofia — Thessaloniki and Sofia — Belgrade. The international railway line toRead more
Western Europe passes through the municipality, with a train stop at Kostinbrod Station.
The town is crossed by two rivers, the Blato in the north and the Belitsa in the south, both tributaries of the Iskar River.
According to the legends, the town was founded by a certain Kosta, who settled near the crossing (брод, brod) of the Belitsa, thus giving the name to the town (Kostinbrod means "Kosta's ford"). There he opened a pub that became popular among the merchants arriving in the capital, some of them settling and organizing a village, whose centre of the time is now located west of the road between Sofia and Lom. Historically, an early reference to the locality (as КостаЪ БРОДЪ) can be found in Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria's Oryahov Charter of 1 December 1348.
The economy of Kostinbrod was largely based on poultry farming and stock breeding during the Communist period, but a number of factories, including a 120,000 m2 Coca-Cola one, have emerged in democratic times due to the town's favourable position and the liberal zoning policy of the municipality.
Kostinbrod is also known for the mineral waters in the area. Thermae were built in the Izvoro country in Roman times.
Where to Stay in Kostinbrod
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Kostinbrod?
Within an hour or so of Kostinbrod: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (16 km), Iskar Gorge (33 km), Petrohan Pass (35 km), Vratsata Gorge (49 km).
Are there any good drives near Kostinbrod?
The nearest famous roads are Iskar Gorge, Petrohan Pass and Troyan Pass (Beklemeto).
Where is Kostinbrod?
Kostinbrod is in Sofia, Bulgaria, about 6 km from Bozhurishte.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 12,175
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Bulgaria
- Region
- Sofia
- Timezone
- Europe/Sofia
- Coordinates
- 42.8167, 23.2167
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Bulgaria
Vignette required for all roads outside towns.
Full driving guide for BulgariaTags
Worth the detour from Kostinbrod
4 notable places within an hour's drive.
famous road
Iskar Gorge
Bulgaria's longest gorge, threaded by road and rail north of Sofia; the route twists beneath the sheer Lakatnik Rocks and past cliff-top monasteries along the Iskar River.
33 km · about 40 min drive
mountain pass
Petrohan Pass
Forested 1,444 m pass over the western Balkan Mountains between Sofia and Montana, a favourite Bulgarian driving road with tight bends, beech woods and a summit dam lake.
35 km · about 40 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Vratsata Gorge
Short but stunning pass road just outside Vratsa, running between the highest vertical limestone walls in the Balkans: a favourite of climbers and a striking gateway drive into the Vratsa Balkan.
49 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Kostinbrod
- 33 kmIskar GorgeBulgaria's longest gorge, threaded by road and rail north of Sofia; the route twists beneath the sheer Lakatnik Rocks and past cliff-top monasteries along the Iskar River.
- 35 kmPetrohan PassForested 1,444 m pass over the western Balkan Mountains between Sofia and Montana, a favourite Bulgarian driving road with tight bends, beech woods and a summit dam lake.
- 49 kmVratsata GorgeShort but stunning pass road just outside Vratsa, running between the highest vertical limestone walls in the Balkans: a favourite of climbers and a striking gateway drive into the Vratsa Balkan.
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