Bulgaria Inside

One of Rousse’s most notable architecture landmarks is its Profit-Yielding Building. This Rousse symbol is located in the central part of the city, at Svoboda square. The name of the building is derived from an idea to turn the construction into a profit-producing structure. Profit was to be generated through shop, theater, casino and library rental.

In 1896, Rousse’s municipal council decided to start the construction of a theater building in the central part of the city. The building was to meet the cultural needs of Rousse residents and to generate some rent revenue.

Construction began in 1898 following the plan of Viennese architects. The process was slow due to the lack of funding. In 1900 work stopped though the construction of the theater chamber was still not finalized. The first play was staged in the casino in 1901. Work on the building ended in 1902.

The Profit-Yielding Building impresses with its magnificent façade. Stone figures and decorations can be spotted everywhere. The seven stone figures positioned on the roof symbolize art, science, agriculture, crafts, commerce, defense and free will. The uppermost part of the building features the symbol of commerce – Mercury.

Today, the building is mostly used by Rousse’s Sava Ognianov theater. Locals have renamed it to ‘the theater.’

In 1995, the Profit-Yielding Building was named an art and history monument of national importance.