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The old settlement of Arbanassi
The old settlement of Arbanassi is situated on a high plateau with a view to the hills of Tzarevetz and Trapezitza, four kilometers from Veliko Turnovo. It's distinguished for its impressive houses and churches with rich interior decoration, wood-carving, and mural paintings created in XVI - XVII century. Namely these unique monuments from our architectural and arts heritage are the cause for Arbanassi to be frequently visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archeologists, historians, architects, and artists. With a tsar decree from 1921 the settlement is declared resort, and in 2000 it is declared "historical settlement" with national significance.
The Arbanassi house has developed according to the social and economical features of the village and has formed its unique outlook completely on its own, without any replica in other parts in Bulgaria.
The Arbanassi house is built in the way that it was possible to live in it for a long time without going out except for water from the well in the yard. Every Arbanassi house is surrounded by high stone walls. Every house had a hiding place. These things speak about the uncertainty of the time when the people of this village lived. You can enter the yard of the house through two big oak gates shouldered with big columns and covered with four-layered roof. There is also a small door for a constant connection with the street. There is a small iron door knocker that hammers on a small iron panel. The old Arbanassi fountains with eaves also arouse interest. Out of the preserved houses, two are of interest - the Konstantzaliev's house and the Hadjiilyiev's house.
Beside the Arbanassi houses, other sights of interest are the seven Arbanassi churches and two monasteries: some of the most impressive monuments of Bulgarian art in XIV-XVIII c. These are "The Nativity Church", "Sts Archangels Michael and Gabriel's church", "St Demetrius' church", "St Atanas' church", "St George's church", "Holy Virgin's monastery" and St Nikolas' monastery.
In architectural plane they are basilicas, one-apse, with semi-cylindrical vault under two-slope roof. They have stone construction; small iron-barred windows and the floors are covered with square bricks. The Arbanassi churches consist of two departments: naos (a men's department) and narthex (a women's deprtment). Usually on the northern side there is a small gallery that ends with small chapel. All the churches are wall-painted. The wall-paintings reveal the development of the painting in its transition to the art of the Bulgarian Renaissance and its connection with the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom - Tarnovgrad.
Whether you come here for the first time or this is just another trip to your favorite city, there’s always something new for you to discover.
If you’re interested in the old history of Veliko Turnovo or the places connected with the glory of the Bulgarian kingdom during the Middle Ages, you must visit the emblem of the city – the fortress hill "Tsarevets", located at the eastern end of the city and protected on three sides by the Yantra river. Opposite "Tsarevets" to the North-West lies "Trapezitsa" hill with its excavated 17 church foundations. Between the two hills lies the beautiful "Asenova Mahala" (Asens’ Quarter) with the churches of "St. Dimitar", "Holy Apostles Peter and Paul", "St. George", and "The Assumption of the Holy Virgin", as well as the Bishop’s bridge.
Don’t miss the chance to stop at the Cathedral church "The Birth of the Holy Virgin" – the biggest active church in the city, as well as the museum of The Bulgarian Revival and the Constituent Assembly, located at the old "Konak" (Turkish municipal building), built by master Nikola Fichev. This is also the building where the Turnovo Constitution was made in 1879. The archeological museum is also located next door.
A stroll down "Gurko" street will bring a touch of romance from the Revival period, with the unique architecture, the beauty of the "Sarafkina house", the church of "St. Constantine and Elena", as well as the gorgeous view of the YantraRiver and the Asens’ Monument.
Another part of the old town from the same period is "Varosha". There you’ll find the "Samovodska Charshia" with its traditional crafts work shops, souvenir shops and art galleries. Also you will find the "St. Nicolas" and "St.St. Cyril and Methodius" Churches, and from the highest points of the quarter you can witness a breathtaking view towards the whole city.
Walking along the main street you can’t miss the "House with the Monkey" and "Mother Bulgaria" monument.
If you go down the "Stamboliiski" street and cross the Stambolov’s Bridge, you’ll end up in front of the Asens’ Monument and the City Art Gallery at the foot of "Sveta Gora" Hill, which is connected with the cultural and spiritual greatness of the Bulgarian country during the middle ages. Today the VelikoTurnovoUniversity is located there.
While you’re at Veliko Turnovo, don’t miss the chance to witness the unique audio-visual show "Tsarevgrad Turnov – Sound and Light". The "Tsarevgrad Turnov – Sound and Light" ("Zvuk i svetlina") audio-visual show is an unique attraction. The programme was created by a team of Bulgarian and Czech specialists managed by Vulo Radev and Jaromir Hnick. The first ever release of the programme was in 1985, to commemorate 800 years since the rebellion of the brothers Asen and Peter. Through the power of music and spectacular illumination, this programme aims to create an unforgettable and emotional image of the Tsarevets Hill and Castle treasuring up the history, grandeur and glory of the ancient capital city of Turnovgrad which has become synonymous with the Bulgarian spirit and national pride.
If you have more time on your schedule and would like to enlarge your trip around, the architectural reserve village of Arbanassi is a good choice.
You can also visit one of the many beautiful monasteries in the region or the ruins of the Roman city Nicopolis-ad-Istrum. For the people who enjoy outdoor activities the region of Veliko Turnovo can offer many opportunities and pleasant surprises.
