Pernik

Pernik (Bulgarian: Перник) is a city in Bulgaria, on the Struma River, with a population of 92,627 (2005 census). It is the main city of Pernik Province. From 1949–1962, the city was known as Dimitrovo.

Originally the site of a Thracian fortress, and later a Roman settlement, Pernik became part of the Bulgarian kingdom in the 9th century. From 1396–1878 it was under Turkish rule. In the 20th century the city developed rapidly as a centre for coal mining and heavy industry. The Surva International Festival of the Masquerade Games is held in the city every January.