Situated in the serene foothills of Plana Mountain, the picturesque village of Alino lies about 45 kilometers south of Sofia and 18 kilometers west of Samokov. The most direct route from Sofia, traversing the Yarema Pass between Plana and Vitosha mountains, takes one through a succession of quaint villages including Bistritsa, Zheleznitsa, Kovachevtsi and Popovyane.
Just 5 kilometers from Alino, the balneological resort of Belchin Banya beckons with its promise of therapeutic waters, attracting visitors seeking solace and healing in nature’s embrace. The village itself boasts a south-southwest orientation, cradled between small rivers to the north and south, with a third river winding through its heart before joining the Palakaria.
Alino’s origins are steeped in legend and the harsh realities of medieval times. Stories recount how it was known even then, only to be set ablaze during the Ottoman invasions. Its name, derived from the striking reddish hue visible from the distant Rila and Verila mountains, hints at its enduring presence through the ages. Evidence of ancient occupation, including a Roman-era sarcophagus locally known as “Momata” in the “Saint Rangel” area, and remnants of temple buildings near eastern burial mounds desecrated by treasure hunters, further attest to its historical significance.
Approximately 7 kilometers to the north, the preserved and frescoed Alinski Monastery from the 16th century stands near the historic site known as “Alinsko Kale,” hinting at a fortified past from as early as the 11th century through to the 15th century.
The 1960s brought modernization to Alino with the construction of a dam designed to serve the local irrigation needs. Today, this reservoir also serves as a hub for sport fishing and a scenic getaway for tourists and locals alike, marking Alino not just as a place of historical intrigue, but also as a vibrant community suited for both reflection and recreation.
