Articles from category: Memorial Houses from bulgariainside.com

Kukrina Inn

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:11:00 +0300

When you head to Sevlievo from Lovech, you will reach the village of Kukrina. It is one of the hundred national tourist sites. Each Bulgarian connects the village to the death of famous revolutionary Vasil Levski. He was captured in the Kukrina inn on December 27 1872. At the time, the inn was located in the outskirts of the village but today it is in the very center. The old building was turned into an inn by Hristo Tsonev. It was to serve as a revolutionary meeting place and to shelter traveling Bulgarian revolutionaries. Upon Levski’s capture, the inn was completely forgotten. During the 19th century, it burned down in a fire. An old photo from 1901 was the only one used for the reconstruction of the historic site. On December 26 1901, a memorial plate was positioned at the exact spot where Levski was captured. On June 5 1924, the reconstruction of the inn began....

Petia Doubarova Memorial House

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:51:00 +0200

The corner of a small street in the center of Bourgas is the location of the house of Petia Doubarova. The youngest Bulgarian poetess, who committed suicide at the age of 17, dedicated her life to Bourgas and her love for the sea and the people. Upon her death, the house of Doubarova remained empty. In 1995, a museum collection was placed there. Two of the halls present the personal belongings of the poetess. There, visitors can see her notebooks, school uniform and numerous pictures. Doubareva’s sleeping room has been preserved in its original state. Her guitar, books, a radio and Russian dolls are still kept inside. Apart from a place for tribute to the poetess, the museum has turned into a cultural center that preserves many poems. Many young poets visit it to get inspiration. Petia Doubarova national literature competition takes place there each year. Its...

Asen Raztsvetnikov Memorial House

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:15:00 +0200

The memorial house dedicated to poet Asen Raztsvetnikov is situated in Draganovo village, 15 km away from Gorna Oriahovitsa. Raztsvetnikov’s birth house hosts the exhibition today. It was renovated in 1986 and the museum was opened there one year later. Seven halls present the exhibition. The collection includes a large number of personal belongings and documents. Some autographed books, letters, photographs and other interesting items that belonged to Raztsvetnikov can be explored. An ethnographic collection has been put on display in the yard. The museum is part of the National Literature Museum. In the autumn of each even year, children celebrations are organized there.

Shishmanova House

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:27:00 +0200

Shishmanova house in Haskovo belonged to Hristodoul Vulchev Shishmanov, one of the richest merchants in the town. He was the first representative of Christians in front of Ottoman authorities. Shishmanov’s entire family took active part in social issues. The building currently houses an exposition named Crafts in the Haskovo Region. Wool processing, silk production and cotton processing can all be examined there. Construction of the building took place in the 19th century. Its architecture is symmetrical. The house has two floors and beautiful façades. Shishmanova house is situated on 7 Bratia Minchevi street. The collection can be explored from Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to midday and from 1 pm to 5 pm. To visit during weekends, you need to call in advance.

Chorbadzhi Paskal's House

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:26:00 +0200

Chorbadzhi Paskal’s house in Haskovo dates back to the middle of the 19th century. It belonged to a rich merchant. The house has two floors and is asymmetrical. It demonstrates the lifestyle of rich Haskovo families from the period after Bulgaria’s liberation. The building has been considered an architectural masterpiece. A museum exhibition has been placed inside, presenting the treasures and lifestyle in the Haskovo region. One of the most impressive rooms on the first floor is the kitchen. A cupboard and a dining room were set up right next to it. Copper dishes were used, signifying that the family was wealthy. The dining room features traditional carpets and curtains, combined with porcelain dishes and European furniture. The dining room faces the street and was the most used chamber. Some of the rooms feature impressive woodcarvings. The...

Dan Kolov Memorial House

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:18:00 +0300

Famous Bulgarian wrestler Dan Kolov was born in the village of Sennik, seven km away from the town of Sevlievo. Kolov’s house is situated on one of the central streets and has been turned into a museum. Tourists are certainly going to notice the building, since it is one of the few that feature European architecture. Upon his success, Kolov traveled to France and left his brother Zhivko some money for the construction of a house. The granddaughter of his brother, Ianka Balkanska, is responsible for the exposition and the house. She lives nearby and still likes telling stories about Kolov. Family photographs have been exhibited in the premises on the first floor. Some of Kolev’s preserved personal belongings can also be seen there. A saddle, forks and porcelain dishes are some of the displayed artifacts. Kolov’s room is situated on the second...

Penio Penev Memorial House

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:43:00 +0300

The village of Dobromirka is situated between Sevlievo, Veliko Turnovo and Pavlikeni. Poet Penio Penev was born there. Penev’s birth house was turned into a museum in 1980. The first floor features examples of the work of Dobromirka craftsmen. People from the village are known for their construction skills. Visitors can explore diplomas and photographs. Four rooms on the second floor present the poet’s life. Photos, manuscripts and letters were put on display in the first two rooms. The third room was Penev’s office. A table still features his inkpot. Hid bed and clothing can be seen in the other corner of the room. The fourth room contains artifacts typical for the Dobromirka village lifestyle. If you have explored the house, but want to find out more about the poet, you can go to the neighboring house. An old woman named Denka will be glad to...

Hadzhi Dimitur's Memorial House

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:52:00 +0300

In the end of the 18th century, the Sliven district of Kloutsohor witnessed the construction of a new house. Revolutionary Hadzhi Dimitur was born there on May 10 1840. The first museum collection was displayed there in 1935. It grew into an exposition in 1955. Hadzhi Dimitur’s birth house is a small, asymmetrical building that features the typical architecture for the early revival period. The traditional interior was completely renewed. In the complex, visitors can also look at a traditional wine cellar from the period. The inn of Nikola Assenov, as well as several other buildings, make up the museum complex alongside Hadzhi Dimitur’s house. Naturally, the inn features traditional interior. Rich collections presenting the life of Hadzhi Dimitur and revolutionary Stefan Karadzha have been positioned on the second floor. The collection includes...

Sliven's Dobri Chintoulov Memorial House

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:36:00 +0300

The Sliven district of Deli Balta hides inside the house in which Bulgarian poet Dobri Chintoulov has been living and working since 1886. Brothers Ivan and Dobri Chintoulovi built the house in the 50s of the 19th century. The building appeared near the house of their father and carries typical architecture for the period. A wide cobblestone yard leads to the asymmetrical house with wooden porches. In the 70s of the 20th century, the building underwent complete renovation and a museum collection was placed inside. Visitors can examine photos and documents, alongside Chintoulov’s personal belongings. The interior of the house has been preserved in its original looks. Books, schoolbooks and documents that belonged to Chintoulov have also been preserved. Each year, the exposition hall witnesses an award ceremony. One artist gets the Dobri Chintoulov art and...

Ivan Vazov's Memorial House in Sopot

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:19:00 +0300

The birth house of Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov in the town of Sopot appeared in the 17th century. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed during an Ottoman assault in 1877. A decision for the renovation of the house was taken in 1920. A museum was to be set up inside. Sofia ethnographic museum’s director decided to supervise the process. The house was renovated almost entirely in its original state based on the memories of Vazov’s brothers and sister. Some of his works were used in the process, as well. One of the rooms hosts the barber shop of Hadzhi Ahil, as described in one of Vazov’s stories. The human figures look nearly alive and take visitors back to old times. The museum opened doors on June 6 1935. In 1964, the memorial house was named a monument of culture of national importance. It preserves many of Vazov’s...

Roussi Chorbadzhi House-Museum, Zheravna

Tue, 20 May 2008 17:23:00 +0300

Roussi Chorbadzhi's house is one of the oldest in the village of Zheravna. It was constructed nearly 300 years ago and survived several assaults. The owner was one of the most influential people in the village. He took part in village governance, had significant wealth and owned few shops. One legend tells how the revolutionary Indzhe fell in love with Roussi's daughter Kalinka. Indzhe kidnapped her and decided to spear Roussi's house from an assault. Yet, Roussi was killed since he warned people of the upcoming danger. The exterior of the house gives no clue of its ornate inside decorations. Its function was to probably protect the house and its riches. Once inside, visitors are taken to another world. Each room has its function and most exhibit intricate woodcarvings. Most of the woodcarvings include animal shapes and floral patterns, both very...

Sava Filaretov House-Museum in Zheravna

Tue, 20 May 2008 16:15:00 +0300

Sava Filaretov is one of the best known Bulgarian revival activists and teachers. He was one of the founders of modern schooling in Bulgaria. Filaretov was born in the village of Zheravna in 1825. Even when he was young, Filaretov demonstrated his interest in learning. After the graduation from the local school, his father sent him to Kotel where Filaretov continued his education with the help of the famous teacher Sava Dobroplodni. Upon his graduation, Filaretov studied teaching in the town of Shoumen. Local intellectuals helped him finish his education. His classmates gave Sava the nickname filaret or one who honors virtue. His craving for knowledge took Filaretov to Odessa and later on to Moscow, where he graduated with a university degree. Filaretov returned to Bulgaria, where he started reforming the education system. He worked on a small dictionary that Russian...

Hristo Botev's Memorial House

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:24:00 +0200

Kalofer is the hometown of Bulgarian revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev. Naturally, the town houses a national museum, dedicated to Botev’s life and achievements. Botev town park is the exact location of the museum. A memorial house, an exhibition hall, Botev’s monument and a monument of his mother, Ivanka Boteva, all make up the complex. The museum has been named cultural landmark of national importance. The museum is an exact replica of Botev’s house. The original house was destroyed in a Kalofer conflagration in 1877. Botev’s brother, Kiril, supervised the construction of the replica. It opened for visitors in 1944. A collection of ethnographic objects and decorations recreates the atmosphere in which Botev grew up. In 1973, an exhibition hall was constructed to expand the museum. The poet’s belongings can be seen there....

Vassil Levski's Memorial House

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:36:00 +0200

More than 70 years ago, the home of the great Bulgarian revolutionary Vassil Levski was restored and turned into a museum. The house looks just like it did hundreds of years ago. Hidden behind a white wall amongst the box-trees and the vine, the house appears just as if a loving hostess has just decorated it with colorful rag carpets, crockery and copper containers, loom and spinning wheel and the dyer’s workshop for the woolen braid. Vassil Ivanov Kounchev, known as Vassil Levski, was born there on July 18 1837. He became the moving force behind the Bulgarian movement for national liberation during the Ottoman period. In the years after Bulgaria gained independence, the house was abandoned and almost destroyed by time and nature. In 1933, it underwent restoration, yet the original looks were kept. Four years later, the museum was set up. Levski’s...

Nikola Vaptsarov's Memorial House

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:46:00 +0200

Nikola Vaptsarov’s memorial house in his native town of Bansko opened for visitors in the 50s, right after the poet was awarded posthumously with an international prize for peace. Eventually the museum collection expanded to become impressively complete. Two video rooms in the museum allow the screening of lectures and films in various languages. A rich ethnographic collection from the beginning of the 20th century is also part of the exposition. The house became the poet’s home after 1912. His relatives aided the creation of the museum. His mother, sister and brother donated most of Vaptsarov’s personal belongings, including the clothes he wore before his execution in 1942. Visitors are welcomed every day from 8am to midday and from 2pm to 6pm.

Slaveikov Family Museum

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:37:00 +0200

The Slaveikov family museum has been set up in the house of Petko R. Slaveikov’s eldest daughter. To visit the museum, go to Sofia’s 138 Rakovska Street. Two collections are available for visitors. The first one is dedicated to the father, P.R. Slaveikov, a poet, teacher and former minister. Various personal belongings have been collected to tell more about his life. One notable item is the table used for the signing of the Turnovo Constitution. The second collection describes the life and work of his son, the poet Pencho Slaveikov. His books and magazines translated in 9 languages, as well as some poems and works that have never been published feature in the collection. The museum was created in 1951. It is open for visitors on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. On Thursdays pay a visit from 1pm to 5pm.

Raina Kniaginia's Memorial House

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:32:00 +0200

The memorial house of Raina Popgeorgieva, better known as Raina Kniaginia or princess Raina, has been set up in the charming little town of Panagyurishte. Born in 1856, Raina Popgeorgieva probably became one of the most well-known female revolutionaries in the country. She played an active role in the April uprising and embroidered the flag that revolutionaries carried. The house was built in 1673 and underwent renovation works. A crafts workshop was originally hosted on the first floor. Now it treasures the personal belongings of Raina Kniaginia. An ethnographic collection is exposed on the second floor. It shows what the customs of the 19th century Panayurishte were. Few people know that the life of Raina did not end with the failure of the April uprising. She had a difficult life until her death in 1917. In 1950 her heirs transfered the house to the Historical Museum...

Pancho Vladigerov's Memorial House

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:18:00 +0200

The greatest Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov has his museum set up in Sofia, on the silent 1 Yakobitsa street. The museum in the residential district of Lozenets opened doors for visitors in 2005. This is the last home of the virtuoso. It treasures his personal belongings and documents. The original script of Vladigerov’s Rhapsody Vardar masterpiece is treasured there, as well as his books and collection of records. Visitors can also take a look at some of his records. Even from a distance, the house reveals that an artist lived there. Two iron nightingales welcome visitors above at front door. The museum is organized in the biggest room of the house, the composer’s living room. Visitors are welcomed from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm.

Neofit Rilski's Memorial House

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:10:00 +0200

Each Bulgarian has heard of Neofit Rilski. The great education and enlightenment activist was born in the town of Bansko in 1793. Neofit Rilski studied iconography and later became a monk in the Rila Monastery. He was one of the leaders of the Bulgarian revival. Possessing encyclopedic knowledge of culture, education, arts and architecture, he became the author of the first Bulgarian grammar-book. His home in Bansko now treasures a museum collection. The museum presents two sets of items, ethnographic and documental. The first one is arranged in the authentic home of Neofit Rilski. It reveals the customs of people from the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. The documents in the second collection describe the activities of Rilski. The house has been set up in typical Bansko style. It was built in the end of the 18th century and was Rilski’s home...

Ivan Vazov's Memorial House

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:01:00 +0200

The memorial house of the great Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov is situated on the corner of Ivan Vazov and Rakovski streets. The writer spent his final years in this house. There, he died in 1921. The house was built in 1895 and it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia. Personal belonging among which clothes, books, presents and awards all feature in the collection. His workroom is preserved in its original state. The room has witnessed the creation of some of the most outstanding Bulgarian literary works. Elin Pelin, another famous Bulgarian writer, was the first keeper of the museum. The museum opened doors for visitors only five years after Vazov’s death in 1926. The National Assembly took the initiative in its hands. The museum is open for visitors from Tuesday till Saturday as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 5pm and...

Yordan Yovkov's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:09:00 +0200

Zheravna is the home village of the great Bulgarian writer Yordan Yovkov. A rich exposition, dedicated to his work, is to be found in his house on Goliamo Bardo Square. The collection includes many documents, pictures and manuscripts that belonged to Yovkov. Yovkov’s monument beautifies the yard. It presents the writer sitting on a chair, carried away in thought. The house is a humble one-storey building. The writer lived there until he became 13. During that time, the entire family moved to Dobroudzha.

Ilarion Makariopolski's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:01:00 +0200

The mountain town of Elena has a unique museum set up on 2 Doino Gramatik Street. Throughout time, the house became the birthplace of three great Bulgarians. Ilarion Makariopolski was a fighter for Orthodox Church independence in Bulgaria. His brother Nikola Mihailovski became the leader of the Bulgarian National Movement during the revival period. Nikola’s son, Stoyan Mihailovski, in turn became a poet. The house brags both a rich collection and outstanding architecture. Made of wood and stone, work on it ended in 1710. Two staircases lead to the second floor, one covered and one open-air. Napreduk (progress) library club was founded in one of the rooms in 1863.

Peio Yavorov's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:55:00 +0200

Chirpan, the birthplace of the outstanding poet Peio Yavorov hosts his house-museum. Yavorov visited the town of Chirpan often, in the period before his early death in 1914. The poet’s sister was among the first people who tried to set up a museum. Soon after Yavorov’s death, she decided to open a guestroom for all willing to explore the life and work of the poet. Some of Yavorov’s personal belongings were exposed in the room. Now the museum treasures a rich collection, including Yavorov’s bed, ink-pot, documents, photos and drawings.

Emilian Stanev's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:50:00 +0200

Emilian Stanev’s museum house is situated in his native town of Veliko Turnovo. Stanev has long been known as one of Bulgaria’s greatest writers. The house can be found on Samodivska Charshia Square, Nikola Zlatarski Street. Unfortunately, the original house was destroyed years ago but an exact replica was constructed for the purposes of the museum. Stanev lived in the house from 1907 to 1922. Then his whole family moved to the town of Elena. The museum treasures something unique, the typewriter that Stanev used in the creation of his works. Other personal belongings and a family tree diagram are also kept there.

Todor Kableshkov Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:36:00 +0200

The Kableshkov house in Koprivshtitsa is an architecture masterpiece. This beautifully restored house is the birthplace of Todor Kableshkov, an outstanding revolutionary. A museum has opened in the house. The ground floor collection reveals more of the living style and customs during the revival period. Kableshkov’s personal belongings can be seen on the second floor. This exposition is dedicated to his revolutionary activities as well as his participation in the April uprising. The house and its beauty help visitors understand how much Kalbeshkov sacrificed for the sake of the independence fight.

Dimcho Debelyanov's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:33:00 +0200

The birth town of the great Bulgarian poet Dimcho Debelyanov is the place where his museum was established. Koprivshtitsa is the place where Debelyanov’s house was set up. The house has been turned into a museum dedicated to the poet. A nice little yard in the shadows of big pine trees surrounds the house. It is a humble two-storey construction, built by the poet’s grandfather in 1830. One of the treasured items in the collection is Debelyanov’s cradle, his suitcase, letters, photos and documents. A lovely statue of the poet’s mother is placed in front of the house in the center of the yard. The stone figure sits at the doorsteps, waiting in silent grief the return of her son.

Georgi Benkovski's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:30:00 +0200

Gavril Hlutev, better known as Georgi Benkovski, is a public figure that every present-day Bulgarian knows. His revolutionary activities played key role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence. Koprivshtitsa is the town that hosts Benkovski’s house museum. The house itself deserves a look at for its typical architecture. All made of wood, the house was constructed in 1831. One of the most unique artifacts preserved since the days of the April uprising can be seen there. Bekovski’s rifle can be seen there today. To visit the museum, go to Benkovski Street. In 1976, a monument honoring the revolutionary was placed near the house.

Angel Kunchev's Memorial House

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:22:00 +0200

Well-known Bulgarian revolutionary Angel Kunchev was born in Triavna, a small town in the Stara Planina Mountain region. His house has been turned into a museum hosting a collection of personal belongings and evidence of his revolutionary activities. The museum treasures more than 200 outstanding works of art among which ceiling wood carvings, iconostases and statues. Evidence has been presented about the activities of other revolutionaries born in the same region. The museum opened doors in 1970 on the occasion of Angel Kunchev’s 120th anniversary.