Melnikis a towninBlagoevgrad Province, southwesternBulgaria, in the southwesternPirin Mountains. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are cultural monuments. With a population of 385, it is the smallest town in Bulgaria, retaining its city status today for historical reasons.
The unique architecture of Melnik and the nearbyRozhen Monastery(located 6km southeast of Melnik) make it a popular tourist destination. The town is also associated with the impressive natural sand pyramids in various forms, resembling giantmushrooms, ancienttowersandobelisks, spread in an area of 17km² near Melnik,KurlanovoandRozhen. The town has also been famous for producing a strong wine since at least 1346.