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December 24th, 2009 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Arbanasi – a Tourism Gem in the Heart of Bulgaria

Arbanasi is one of the most picturesque old villages in Bulgaria. It is an architectural preserve and part of the world cultural heritage of UNESCO. Arbanasi is situated on a high rocky plateau with spectacular views on the medieval part of the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Turnovo. The village was founded in the beginning of the 13th century by Bulgarian boyars (regional rulers) and had a population of 2000. Arbanasi reached its economic peak during the second half of the 17 century. The village had over 1000 houses and its population included nobility who traded with Italy, the Austria-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and India. Numerous crafts were developed – goldsmithing, coppersmithing, blacksmithing, and silkworm-breeding. The houses, churches, and monasteries built during that time are proof of the economic progress and prosperity.

In fact, today Arbanasi is known primarily for its historic buildings. Preserved are 144 houses, 7 churches, and 2 monasteries with rich interior decorations, carvings, and wall-paintings dating back to the 13 – 18 centuries. These unique architectural and artistic monuments are the reason why Arbanasi is visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archaeologists, historians, architects, and artists. The houses, built inside massive rock walls, contrast sharply with the picturesque yards and the unique comfort of the interior. The ceilings, the doors, the furniture and the windows are luxuriously decorated with wood-carvings. The walls are decorated with plaster elements adorned with flowers. Especially beautiful are the churches dating back to the 17 century with their strong high walls, small windows and inaccessible studded oak doors. They harmonically fit in the overall architecture style of the village. The churches are almost without any decoration outside but inside they are luxuriously adorned with incredibly beautiful wood-carvings and paintings.

There are generally three types of historic houses in Arbanasi. The first type is the oldest rock houses similar to what can be found in Turnovo. Examples include the houses of the priest Hadji Georgi and Chorbadji Georgi. They are fully built from rock and are, essentially, small fortresses. There are strong rock gates outside for protection and recesses for the night guards. The windows are small and barred with iron. The second type is large houses with thick rock foundations but without balconies and bay-windows. The third type is the most recent, dating back to the 18 century. These houses have open air verandas, covered with wooden tops that open towards the garden. Two of the most interesting preserved houses are converted into museums - Kostancalievata and Hadji Ilievata.

The seven churches of Arbanasi are some of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian art. All churches are built from rock with iron bars on their windows and rich wall-paintings. Rojdestvo Hristovo is the oldest church with severe and ascetic appearance, and some of the most picturesque interior decoration. St. Archangels Mihail and Gavriil is the biggest church while St. Atanas is the smallest one, dating back to 1637. St. Dimitar and St. Georgi were built in 1661 and 1612.

The St. Peter and Pavel monastery was built by a local wealthy man named Pavonian on a rock in the eastern part of the Arbanasi´s plateau in the 14th century. Pavonian erected the monastery on his own land with his own resources and gave it vines, meadows and forests. The first theological school in Bulgaria was created here in 1874. The Preobrajenski monastery is situated 4km from Arbanasi. It was founded centuries ago but was renovated in 1832 by the remounted Bulgarian architect Kolio Ficheto. The church was decorated inside and outside by Zahari Zograf and Stanislav Dobrevski, two famous Bulgarian artists.

These days, the architectural wonders of Arbanasi are combined with modern tourist faculties. The village is easily accessible during any time of the year and offers numerous hotels and restaurants, all built in the old architectural style.

You can look through the following listing of hotels and B&B’s Hotels Arbanasi. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

About the Author

Stefan Valev writes regular columns and provides advice on Bulgarian tourism.

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Half Gem Proof