Articles from category: Cultural & Architectural from bulgariainside.com

Kolio Ficheto’s Bridge, Byala

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:27:00 +0300

Bulgarian craftsman Kolio Ficheto started the construction of a bridge over Yantra River near the town of Byala in 1867. Construction was set to begin in 1865, when local Ottoman ruler Midhat Pasha demanded the creation of the bridge. His idea was to create a facility that will connect Rousse, Veliko Turnovo, Botevgrad and Sofia. Kolio Ficheto returned to Veliko Turnovo where he used wax candles to model the bridge. For days, the craftsman heated the wax in order to be able to shape it. His model had 14 arches and resembled old Roman bridges. Its construction was simplified but solid. Once done, Kolio Ficheto returned to Byala to calculate the river water level. Construction started in 1865 and was finalized two years later. The bridge was already in use in 1867 and connected the two banks of Yantra. The bridge is 276 m long and nine m wide. The arches are decorated and...

Varosha, Blagoevgrad's Old District

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:06:00 +0200

Narrow cobblestone streets, unique architecture, various craft shops and historic monuments characterize Blagoevgrad’s Varosha district. Varosha has preserved its revival-period spirit in the small traditional houses. The district could be seen as a walk from one art to another. Varosha appeared in the 17th century in the foot of Delvinski hill. In the 17th and 18th centuries Varosha resembled a Turkish district and was the only residential part that featured Christian population. No more than 200 families lived there. During that period, three bridges connected the district to other parts of town, all situated across Bistritsa River. During the revival period. Varosha turned into home for the best teachers and culture activists in the region. They openly advocated uprisings and independence struggles. When it comes to architecture, Varosha resembles many other old...

Arbanasi

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:01:00 +0200

Arbanasi is located several kilometers away from the town of Veliko Turnovo. The village is situated on a plateau, which gives astounding view of Veliko Turnovo and the historic sites nearby. A visitor can enjoy tons of activities in Arbanasi, varying from peaceful and lazy rest to exploring the historic attraction and the Bulgarian traditions. A number of churches and impressive monasteries are also located in the region. The village combines Bulgarian traditions with luxury and modern tourism attractions. Among the hotel complexes and large restaurants, you can find tiny taverns serving typical Bulgarian cuisine. Arbanasi was found in the 15th-16th centuries. Bulgarians from other parts of the country resettled there. Locals developed a number of crafts and goldsmiths from the region traded their works in the Ottoman Empire and other parts of Europe. Local craftsmen...

Romanian Mausoleum, Grivitsa

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:53:00 +0200

During the Russo-Turkish war of 1877 and 1878, the Pleven region village of Grivitsa acted as the stage of some of the bloodiest battles. The village was a starting point for Ottoman assaults on nearby Pleven. Hundreds of soldiers died in the battles. Grivitsa was the place where the Romanian army suffered biggest losses. You can still see the remains of the major fortifications in the area. During the third assault for Pleven’s liberation, Romanian soldiers supported by two Russian divisions managed to take possession of one of the strongholds of the Ottoman army. Over 3000 Romanian soldiers died in the battle. From 1928 to 1897 Grivitsa saw the construction of mausoleum honoring the act of Romanian soldiers. Funding for the construction came from Romania and the mausoleum officially opened doors in 1902. Romanian artists worked on the iconostasis and the wall...

Dolen Village

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:10:00 +0300

The village of Dolen hides in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains, near the town of Gotse Delchev. Dolen is located 26 km away from the town and has its intriguing history. The village was created shortly after Bulgaria came under Ottoman reign. Running away from the Ottoman oppression, some families resettled to the region because of the inaccessibility of the mountain. Gradually the village expanded and prospered. Today it is relatively small but during the revival period locals earned from tobacco production and livestock. The village is still hardly accessible. A tiny settlement is the only other populated spot in the region. Its isolation has helped the village preserve some revival-time constructions. More than 70 houses have been preserved and renovated. In the middle of the 20th century, the village was given the status of a historic monument. Make sure you...

National Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Oreshak

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:11:00 +0200

Stara Planina hides in its folds, near Troyan Monastery, the village of Oreshak. This small village houses one of a kind for the country arts and crafts exhibition. The exhibition was created in the second half of the 20th century but has long prehistory. In the second half of the 19th century, craftsmen from all parts of Bulgaria used to come to Troyan Monastery on August 15. There, they presented their works and created one of the biggest crafts fairs in Bulgaria. Interest towards crafts was renewed in the middle of the past century. In 1967, craftsmen formed a labor society and in 1971 it opened the national arts and crafts exhibition. Oreshak was selected as the place, since the village has preserved its traditions. The exhibition has been opened to popularize Bulgarian craftworks. In 1978, the exhibition saw international participation for the first time. Craftsmen...

Bourgas Natural Science Museum

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:49:00 +0200

A reconstructed building on Fotinov street in Bourgas houses the Natural Science Museum. The collection is unique for the southern coastal region and presents flora and fauna from Strandzha Mountain. Specimens have been placed in six halls having total area of 250 sq m. The museum presents over 1700 exhibition items, 102 photos and 299 charts and maps. The geology collection presents development of the region throughout time. Visitors can take a look at marble pieces, volcanic rocks and numerous minerals and fossils. In addition, 25 types of soil have been presented. Botany division presents plant species in Strandzha and the coastal region. A number of endangered species can also be examined, alongside 68 plant families. Swamp and forest plants have found their place in the museum, as well. Strandzha is known for some unusual plant species. The typical trees that make...

Kovachevitsa

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:39:00 +0300

Unique architecture and raspberry wine will welcome you in the village of Kovachevitsa. The village is situated in the Rhodope region, 23 km away from the town of Gotse Delchev. Only 40 people live permanently in the village but it livens up because of the numerous tourist visits. The village appeared in the end of the 17th century. When people in the Rhodope region were forced to accept Islam, many escaped their villages and hid in the mountain areas. In this manner, separate districts formed and later turned into settlements. Kovachevitsa had its independent self-governance during the Ottoman rule. During the revival period, the village turned into a spiritual and education center. It also functioned as a center of the Macedonian liberation struggles. Since the village was situated on the very border between Bulgaria and Turkey, it was liberated only in 1912 during the Balkan...

Toutrakan's Ribarska Mahala (Fishermen's Neighborhood)

Mon, 26 May 2008 15:43:00 +0300

Toutrakan's fishermen neighborhood is a unique place. It happens to be the only fishermen's village in the country, situated near the Danube River. The neighborhood is situated in the northeastern part of Toutrakan, along the riverbank . The neighborhood has been named an architecture preserve. It has 48 houses, each one being a monument of culture. In the beginning of the 90s of the 20th century. A project of the national monuments of culture institute was used for the restoration of two houses. A third one is to undergo the same. Some of the houses were constructed 150 to 200 years ago, which makes them valuable archaeological landmarks. The neighborhood itself appeared in the 19th century and has been set up in the typical revival period style. In the past, Toutrakan residents made their living and developed two crafts connected to the proximity of the Danube...

Zlatograd Ethnographic Complex

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:52:00 +0200

The beautiful town of Zlatograd is hidden in the heart of the Rhodope Mountain, close to the border with Greece. Zlatograd’s ethnographic complex is one of the town’s prides, alongside its breathtaking nature and rich historic background. The complex is unique, since a single private initiative led to its creation. A private company provided the funds in 2001. Zlatograd’s complex is similar to Etur in Gabrovo. The complex is situated in the central part of the town and is easily accessible. Its atmosphere makes visitors forget about the present time and go back in history. In the beginning, examine the historic and ethnographic exposition. It will tell you more about the region’s past and the local lifestyle. Once you learn more about Zlatograd, proceed with exploring the rest of the complex. Many craftsmen demonstrate their skills in...

Svezhen Village

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:49:00 +0200

Svezhen is a picturesque village situated in а valley in the Sredna Gora region. The distance from the city of Plovdiv is 60 km. Svezhen’s biggest treasure is 100 houses that have been preserved from Bulgaria’s revival period. Fifteen houses are over 300 years old. The village was named architecture preserve, yet its rich heritage is poorly maintained. Many houses are slowly crumbling. In 1877, the village was set on fire but nearly 100 houses remained intact. Two neighborhoods formed on the shores of Svezhenska River. The biggest and most ornate house was destroyed in the fire. Today, a bell tower has been set up there. Apart from the wonderful architecture monuments, Svezhen’s region has several huts that attract hiking lovers. Svezhen, Kavaklika, Bratan and Haidouta huts are also situated there.

Old Dobrich

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:47:00 +0200

In its heart, the town of Dobrich hides a place that reminds of old times. Ethnographic complex Old Dobrich was created in the 80s of the 20th century. There, you can observe, feel and taste the past. You can also get involved in old-time activities and truly submerge yourself in Dobrich’s heritage. Nearly 30 shops give skillful craftsmen the chance to demonstrate their work in front of visitors. Some of the sweetshops will offer you culinary temptations, while the coffee shop will present you with a cup of the aromatic drink. The complex has its restaurant and hotel. There, you can taste traditional dishes and rest in the calm atmosphere.

Zheravna Village

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:36:00 +0200

Much can be written about the village of Zheravna, yet the village does a good job telling its own story. The revival-period houses keep memories of old times. Zheravna is situated 15 km away from the town of Kotel and 45 km away from the town of Sliven. The village has been named an architecture preserve, as it has more than 150 preserved authentic houses. Some of them are over 300 years old. Most of the houses are made of wood but have been set up over stone foundations. St. Nikolai church is another old building. The church treasures a permanent icon exhibition. Many well-known Bulgarians were born in Zheravna. Sava Filaretov and Yordan Yovkov are two such public figures. Filaretov’s house has been turned into a museum. The house of the writer Yovkov also houses an exhibition. Several small hotels offer accommodation in Zheravna. Owners are welcoming and...

Etura Ethnographic Complex

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:15:00 +0200

The ethnographic complex of Etura is located several kilometers south of the town of Gabrovo. Signs mark the road to the place. Public transportation buses from Gabrovo also reach Etura. The complex was opened in 1964. Its founders wanted to recreate on smaller scale the craftsmanship of Gabrovo from the time of the Bulgarian revival. Some of the constructions in Etura are authentic, only renovated. The other buildings are exact replicas of the old-time constructions. A parking lot has been set up to aid visitors. Buying a ticket grants you entry to a long alley that leads to Etura. To feel the atmosphere of the complex fully, visit during the summer months. Etura has several workshops, most of which work during the day. These allow visitors look at craftsmen in action. Some of the workshops have recreated older methods of traditional production but these unfortunately do...

Bozhentsi Village

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:05:00 +0200

The picturesque village of Bozhentsi is located near the town of Gabrovo. It has been proclaimed one of the most beautiful architecture preserves in Bulgaria. Bozhentsi is located 16 km east of Gabrovo. A number of typical Bulgarian houses and municipal buildings have been preserved there. An ancient legend tells how the village got its name. A boyar by the name of Bozhana ran away from Veliko Turnovo after the death of her husband. She escaped from the town after Ottomans conquered it. Bozhana gave the village her name. In the 18th and 19th centuries, locals dealt with trade and craftsmanship. Today, however, the village remembers little of the hectic activities that went on in the past. The large, two and three-storey houses impress with their unique architecture. More than 100 houses in Bozhentsi have been preserved in their original state. Some of these buildings offer...

Bourgas Ethnographic Museum

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:04:00 +0200

The ethnographic museum of Bourgas is situated in the central part of the city, near St. St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. The collection has been placed in one of the most beautiful Bourgas buildings from the mid-19th century. Several halls bring together the museum’s unique collection of traditional clothing from all ethnographic groups of the Bourgas region. The permanent exposition occupies two floors of the building. The first level presents the interior of a house from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Original furniture made by Bulgarian craftsmen can be seen there. Official female clothing demonstrates the fashion style from the beginning of the 20th century. One of the unusual items is a dress that a well-known Bourgas woman purchased from Paris. Traditional culture and lifestyle from the same period can be explored on the...