In such a lonely, peaceful setting, it's hard to imagine that Batak was once a byword for infamy that reverberated across Europe. During the April Rising of 1876 the Turks unleashed bashibazouks and Pomaks from other settlements to rape, pillage and slaughter the populace.
The town has a rich history. It has population of 4 600 inhabitants and is a municipality centre. In the Late Middle Ages it is a big flourishing settlement. Burned to the ground at the time of the kurdjalii invasions in the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. During the April Uprising of 1876 the whole population takes up arms. Regular Turkish army and bashi-bazouk crushes the heroic resistance of the people, the town is burned down and the major part of local population is massacred. In St. Nedelya Church (built in 1813) the Turks slaughter about 3000 people (among them women, children and old people), who sought refuge behind the thick stone walls. Here one can see the bone-vault of the victims. The beautiful nature of Batak attracts many tourists. The name of this town is mostly associated with the April Uprising in 1876, an event of eminent historical importance.
The museum complex in central downtown Batak reveals the town’s history and traditions. The complex encompasses St. Nedelya Church, which was built in 1813, turned into a Museum – Ossuary and the local History Museum with an expansive ethnographic display. Tourists and guests to Batak need to visit Holy Virgin Mary Church, constructed in 1912, one of the greatest and most fascinating temples of Christian Orthodox religion in Bulgaria. There are nine functioning chapels in reach of Batak’s surroundings.
The sites Djenevra, Beglika, Petrovo burdoand the Batashki Snejnik peak offer a variety of exciting tourism routes. The several old Batak houses restored and proclaimed as cultural monuments are of interest, too – Balinov’s House.
The town is connected with the remaining part of the country solely through bus transport. There are regular bus lines to Sofia, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Velingrad and other smaller settlements within the region.
Batak Dam Resort and Tsigov Chark Resort are located in the Western Rhodopes, 21 km away from Batak. These resorts are a splendid place for recreation and relaxation throughout the year. The resort itself offers excellent conditions for a pleasant holiday time with its numerous amusement places and restaurants. There are attractive opportunities for fishing and skiing, especially for beginning skiers.
Shiroka Polyana site is situated in the northwestern part of the Western Rhodopes. The predominant altitude is 1500-1700 m. The typical Rhodopes relief features provide all the prerequisites for the growth of abundant game stock. The dams of Shiroka Polyana and Toshkov Chark, which are located within the territory of this site, offer unique opportunities for fishing as well as for rewarding rest and relaxation.
Beglika Reserve occupies the so-called Beglishka plateau in the central part of the Western Rhodopes. The scenic mountainous landscape beauty attracts plenty of tourists. The existing dams and the crystal clear rivers offer wonderful opportunities for fishing. The rich variety of game stock such as red deer, roe, wood grouse and wild boar, ensures the hunting tourism development.
Kara Tepe site is located 28 km south of Velingrad. A marvelous spot with its pine-scented meadows and nightingale tunes. Dospat Dam and the village of Sarnitsa are 50 km away from Velingrad. An asphalt road, which goes parallel to both Chepinska and Dospatska River, connects the village and the dam.
This region is also prominent for its famous protected sites, Golyam Beglik site and Dupkata site. Golyam Beglik occupies an area of 415 ha, covered with centurion firs. Dupkata is a genuine nature phenomenon with its rich variety of flora and fauna species.