Bulgaria Inside

Kolio Ficheto’s Museum
A museum exposition has been dedicated to Kolio Ficheto, one of the best known Bulgarian craftsmen. The collection is housed in Dryanovo’s history museum. It was put together in 1970 to commemorate 170 years since his birth.

Nikola Fichev, as his real name is, was born in Dryanovo in 1800. He learned various crafts, among which church construction. He moved to Veliko Turnovo and there gained the title of a skilled craftsman. He died in Veliko Turnovo in 1881. Ficheto continued working until his last breath.

During his numerous years of work, Ficheto constructed some of the most beautiful buildings and churches in the country. He is also well-known for the bridges that he created. Some of the must sees among his works are Svishtov’s church Sveta Troitsa, St. St. Konstantin and Elena church in Veliko Turnovo, Belenskia bridge and the covered bridge in Lovech.

The museum has numerous photos and documents that describe the craftsman’s life. Visitors can also see models and plans.

Dryanovski Monastery
St. Arhangel Mihail monastery is situated several kilometers away from Dryanovo, on the road to Gabrovo. It is hidden between the limestone formations in the gorge of Dryanovska River.

The monastery probably appeared during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and played important role in religious and cultural development. Over the centuries, it was burned and renovated several times. The current Dryanovski Monastery was constructed in the 17th century and expanded in the 19th century.

During the liberation wars, the monastery aided revolutionaries. Vassil Levski and Georgi Izmirliev often hid there.

The monastery gained a monument and a bell tower in 1925.

Many tourists visit Dryanovski Monastery today. It offers accommodation, which is also inexpensive. More information about the monastery is available here.

Bacho Kiro Cave
Near Dryanovski Monastery, nature has created one of its beautiful landmarks in Bulgaria, Bacho Kiro cave. It was named a landmark in 1962.

Cave chambers have length of 3600 m, spread over four floors. The cave is open for visitors each day from 9 am to 6 pm in the summer and from 10 am to 4 pm in the winter.