Borovets, known as Chamkoria until the mid 20th century, is the first mountain resort of its kind, in Bulgaria and on the entire Balkan range. Its origin dates back to 1896, when Kniaz Ferdinand – Bulgaria's monarch at the time, had his summer residence and several hunting lodges built there. His example was followed by aristocrats and members of the Bulgarian elite, who subsequently built their summer cottages and chalets in Borovets.