The town of Asenovgrad has a population of 54,778 inhabitants. It is the city with the most churches per capita in the country, close to Plovdiv at one of the entrances of Rhodope Mountains, famous for its Mavrud and Pamid red wine.
It is located 170 km east of Sofia, 20 km south of Plovdiv.
The Castle of Asen, also known as Asenovgrad Krepost, is a medieval fortress in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, 2–3 km south of the town of Asenovgrad proper, on a high rocky ridge on the left bank of the Asenitsa River. Very worth seeing although a bit hard to access. There is no evidence of public transit and it requires a 30-40 minute walk from the city proper. Admission is free.
Bachkovo Monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria after Rila Monastery. Significantly more developed that Rila, it has less of a serine atmosphere, however it is very beautiful and is much worth a visit. Getting there is extremely easy, as buses on the route Plovdiv-Smolyan stop in both Asenovgrad and Bachkovo. Tell the driver you are going to the monastery (simply saying "Bachkovo Manastir" should do the trick) and he may drop you off right in front. As of September 2012 the journey cost 2 Leva.