Bulgaria Inside

Sava Filaretov is one of the best known Bulgarian revival activists and teachers. He was one of the founders of modern schooling in Bulgaria.

Filaretov was born in the village of Zheravna in 1825. Even when he was young, Filaretov demonstrated his interest in learning. After the graduation from the local school, his father sent him to Kotel where Filaretov continued his education with the help of the famous teacher Sava Dobroplodni.

Upon his graduation, Filaretov studied teaching in the town of Shoumen. Local intellectuals helped him finish his education. His classmates gave Sava the nickname filaret or one who honors virtue. His craving for knowledge took Filaretov to Odessa and later on to Moscow, where he graduated with a university degree.

Filaretov returned to Bulgaria, where he started reforming the education system. He worked on a small dictionary that Russian soldiers in Bulgaria used. Ottoman authorities were unhappy with Filaretov's activities. Filaretov soon emigrated to Russia and worked as a civil servant for some time. There, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to travel to Cairo for treatment.  At the age of 37, Filaretov died.

Zheravna hosts Filaretov's house, which has been turned into a museum. The house had two floors and beautiful woodcarvings. Such decorations signified wealth. The building has been preserved in its original state, created 200 years ago. Its yard is huge and full of flowers.

The museum has been set up on the second floor. Many of Filaretov's personal belongings can be seen there. Items on display also tell more about the life of Zheravna residents from the revival period. Guides are present to tell visitors more about the life and deeds of Filaretov.

Entering the museum costs as little as having a coffee in the morning. The house is open for visitors during weekends, as well.