About The old name of Velingrad and how the Spa Capital of Bulgaria was born

Velingrad is one of the most famous balneological and SPA resorts in Bulgaria. Situated in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, it attracts visitors with its mineral springs, clean air, and healing climate. Modern SPA complexes, natural landmarks, and rich cultural heritage make it a preferred place for rest and treatment. But apart from its natural resources, the town also impresses with its history.

What is the old name of Velingrad?

Before becoming a town in 1948, Velingrad consisted of three separate villages: Kamenitsa, Ladzhene, and Chepino. These names are considered the old names of Velingrad because each of them carries history, cultural roots, and local spirit. Their unification laid the foundation of the modern town we know today as the Spa Capital of Bulgaria.

Kamenitsa – a historical and spiritual center

Kamenitsa is the northernmost district of modern Velingrad. Its name is connected to the rocky terrain in the area. Here stands one of the most important historical landmarks – the church of Saint Trinity, built in 1816.

During the 19th century, Kamenitsa was a cultural center. The first monastic school and later the first secular school in the Chepino region opened in the church. Many local educators and community leaders left a lasting mark on the educational development of the area.

During the preparation for the April Uprising, the church served as a place for oath-taking and storing weapons. Until 1912, Kamenitsa was the only entirely Christian settlement in the Chepino valley, which highlights its importance.

Ladzhene – the mineral waters that changed history

Ladzhene was the second settlement involved in the creation of Velingrad. Its name comes from the Turkic word “ludza,” meaning bath or mineral water, a testament to the strong connection between the local people and the healing springs.

Ladzhene became popular as early as the 19th century as a place for climate therapy and recovery. Many notable Bulgarian figures such as Ivan Vazov and Aleko Konstantinov visited the local baths. During the socialist period, the area developed as a center for sanatorium treatment and balneology.

Today, Ladzhene remains an important part of the town’s tourist identity, preserving its unique spirit.

Chepino – antiquity, nature, and legends

Chepino, the third village included in the unification, is located in the picturesque Chepino valley. Its name originates from the Old Bulgarian word “Tsepina,” which during the Ottoman period transformed into Chepino due to the absence of the sound “ts” in the Turkish language.

The area is known for its natural resources, mineral springs, and many routes leading to beautiful places such as Saint Elijah, Saint Spas, Markovi Skali, and the intersection of the 24th meridian and 42nd parallel.

Chepino plays a key role in Velingrad’s development as a SPA destination.

How the name Velingrad was born

In 1948, on the initiative of Georgi Dimitrov, Kamenitsa, Ladzhene, and Chepino were united into a single administrative center. This is how the new town, Velingrad, was created.

The name was chosen in honor of Vela Peeva, a local heroine of the anti-fascist movement. It symbolizes strength, courage, and respect for the person whose name it bears.

Understanding the old name of Velingrad helps us feel the deeper connection between past and present. The three districts continue to preserve their character, but together they form the face of the modern town.

The importance of the old names for today’s Velingrad

The old names – Kamenitsa, Ladzhene, and Chepino – are the foundation upon which Velingrad’s cultural identity is built. They reveal the development of the region, its traditions, and its unique spirit.

Today these districts not only preserve their heritage but also contribute to the popularity of the town as a leading SPA center.

Conclusion

The old name of Velingrad is not one but three – Kamenitsa, Ladzhene, and Chepino. Each of them carries history, memory, and spirit that shape modern Velingrad. Understanding these roots enriches the story of the town and adds value to the tourist and cultural narratives connected with the Spa Capital of Bulgaria.