Bulgaria Inside

Though St. Dimtur Solounski church is situated in the center of Aitos, it takes visitors to another peaceful and quiet world.

The church was constructed in 1844 over the remains of St. Velikomuchenik Dimitri church that was destroyed in 1828. It was burned down during Bulgarian liberation struggles and constructed once again in 1883.

Crafstman Gencho from Zheravna was responsible for the construction and Ivan from Debur created the interior decorations.

St. Dimitur Solounski is a small church that features rich decorations, intricate woodcarvings and beautiful icons.

The bell tower was constructed by Deniu Danchev and bells were ordered from Russia in 1914. The small bell was used to announce the beginning and the end of the workday. The big one marked major religious holidays. The sound of both bells can still be heard today.

A small chapel was built near the church in 1902. It also acted as an ossuary protecting the remains of those who died in liberation struggles. On major holidays, Aitos residents place wreaths to honor those who lost their lives in search of freedom.

The church yard houses the grave of teacher Apostol Diakov. He was also the first exarchial priest in Aitos and an adherent of Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski.