Bulgaria Inside

Art Gallery Vladimir Dimitrov - Maistora
The biggest art gallery in Bulgaria is situated in the town of Kiustendil. It was founded in 1944 and the collection was initially placed in Ahmed Bei mosque. All works of art were later on moved to a former synagogue.

Today, the paintings are placed in a specially constructed building that opened doors in 1972 to honor the anniversary of its founder, Bulgarian painter Vladimir Dimitrov - Maistora.

The gallery features 3200 paintings by 585 artists. Dimitrov's works total 1357. Works have been organized in several collections among which Kiustendil paintings, Bulgarian paintings, foreign works, ancient and medieval art.

To visit the gallery, go to 20 Patriarh Evtimii street. It works each day apart from Monday from 9 am to midday and from 2 pm to 6 pm during the summer and from 9 am to midday and from 1 pm to 5 pm during the winter.

Dimitur Peshev's Memorial House
The birth house of politician Dimitur Peshev has been listed among the 100 national tourist sites. Peshev was born in Kiustendil. He worked as a judge, lawyer and a prosecutor. In the 30s of the 20th century, Peshev was appointed justice minister for a short period of time.

In 1943, Peshev organizes protest against the government's decision to collaborate with Germany, which was at that time Bulgaria's ally. The group also opposes the sending of 6000 Bulgarians of Jewish origin to concentration camps in Poland.

Peshev lost his job because of the initiative but the discussion that he generated saved the lives of hundreds. Paradoxically, he was sentenced to prison because of fascist activity in 1944. Peshev died in 1973.

Many monuments and distinctions were dedicated to Peshev. His museum is located in Kiustendil, on 11 Tsar Simeon I street and welcomes visitors each day from 8 am to 5 pm. During weekends, the museum takes an hour-long break from midday to 1 pm.