A Greek inscription from Pistiros served as a legal document regulating the status of the emporion. Together with the ancient trading center, it gives the municipality of Septemvri a tangible historical focus. Emporion Pistiros played a significant role in the economic and cultural life of ancient Thrace.
Emporion Pistiros and the History of Trade
Excavations at Pistiros have uncovered parts of the eastern fortification wall, including a gate, bastion and tower. They have also brought to light a paved street, stone-founded buildings and a stone drainage channel. The finds offer insights into the fortifications, urban layout and drainage of the ancient settlement.
At the Prof. Mieczyslaw Domaradzki Archaeological Museum in Septemvri, a permanent exhibition explores Pistiros from several perspectives. It covers ancient connections and trade, urban planning and architecture, crafts and production, daily life, and religious beliefs. Highlights include 552 silver and gold coins and trade-related seals set in rings. The museum’s numismatic collection contains more than 1,500 coins of Thracian rulers. The museum is considered the only specialized archaeological museum in Pazardzhik Province.
Archaeological and Sacred Traces
More than 200 archaeological monuments from different periods are associated with the Municipality of Septemvri. Archaeological traces include the remains of medieval fortresses near Semchinovo and Varvara, as well as an early Christian basilica in Varvara.
In Karabunar stands the partially underground Church of St. John the Baptist. It is known for its woodcarvings from the Samokov School; its iconostasis is among the earliest works of this school. The church is protected as a cultural monument. These buildings add further facets of regional heritage to the history of the trading post of Pistiros.
Between the Maritsa and the Mountain Ranges
The municipal area lies in the western Upper Thracian Plain, in the Maritsa Valley, and extends between the northern slopes of the Rhodope Mountains and the foothills of the Sredna Gora. Its terrain ranges from lowland to semi-mountainous and mountainous forms. Septemvri therefore encompasses more than one type of landscape rather than being limited to a single geographic character.
The rivers in the area include the Maritsa and the Chepinska. There are fish-stocked waters along the Maritsa, as well as small reservoirs near Vetren, Karabunar, Slavovitsa and Semchinovo. Protected and notable natural areas within the municipality include the Alabak Ridge (Bozhovets), Trunova Laka, and the Sveta Marina and Sveta Georgi protected areas.
Thermal Waters and Wine
Thermal mineral springs with temperatures above 72°C are located near Varvara and Vetren Dol. A description dated June 2025 lists the first mineral bath in Varvara, built in 1936, as closed; the Varvara mineral bath area includes older baths associated with the water’s balneological properties.
Wine-growing is also one of the municipality’s tourism themes. Wineries in Vetren, Vinogradec and Septemvri are possible stops along a wine route promoting wines from Vetren and Karabunar. In Karabunar, Villa Velis Winery offers tastings, tours and private events year-round. It is part of the Bulgarian-German Velis Vineyards project, which aims to preserve and re-cultivate old vines. The winery also has a wine and delicatessen shop, as well as a bistro serving seasonal signature cuisine made with local produce.
Villa Velis Hotel is located next to the winery. It offers accommodation in eight double rooms and two apartments; the facilities also include a spa center and an outdoor pool.
Getting There and the Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
The municipality’s road connections include the Trakia Highway and the E80 Sofia–Svilengrad route. Rail connections from Sofia pass through Septemvri and continue toward Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna and Svilengrad.
A special railway line runs from Septemvri through Velingrad, Yakoruda, Razlog and Bansko to Dobrinishte: the Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway. It offers a year-round tourist journey along the highest railway line in the Balkans. It is worth checking the timetable before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vetren, Vetren Dol, Septemvri, Karabunar, Rakitovo, Strelcha, Velingrad, Lesichovo.
For the broader travel overview: Pazardzhik Province.
