Bulgaria Inside

The palace of Tsarska Bistritsa is situated very close to the winter resort of Borovets, in the folds of Rila Mountain.

Tsarska Bistritsa was constructed between 1898 and 1914. Members of the royal family, among which Ferdinand I and Boris III, used it as a hunting hut. In 1944, the palace became state property but several years ago it was returned to the royal family.

Visitors can take a look at the palace each day except Monday. Against a modest entrance fee, a guide will show you the premises and tell you Tsarska Bistritsa’s story.

Ferdinand’s office has been decorated as a ship captain’s cabin room. According to stories, Ferdinand won this interior playing cards.

Trophies from the hunting activities of the royals can be seen on all walls.

The authentic interior of some rooms has been preserved. Among these are the rooms of princesses Nadezhda and Evdokia

An old Persian tapestry is part of the palace’s decoration. Ferdinand’s second wife, Eleonora, received the tapestry as a gift from Iran’s ruler. The ceilings feature woodcarvings.

Electrical heaters can be seen in each room. Siemens produced the appliances in 1912. They still function.

A power plant that provided the palace with electricity was also set up in 1912. It also functions today.

Tsarska Bistritsa’s park features rare plant species that Ferdinand brought from his travels abroad.

Bistritsa River flows through the territory of the palace. A small bridge and the numerous alleys are suitable for romantic walks near the river.