Arbanassi – A Tourism Gem in the Heart of Bulgaria
Arbanassi is one of the most picturesque old villages in Bulgaria. Arbanassi is past of the world cultural heritage and is a declared UNESCO preserve. Arbanassi overlooks the ancient capital of Bulgaria Veliko Turnovo from a high rock vista opening up spectacular views on the river Jantra and the walls of the Turnovo. The village was founded in the beginning of the 13th century by Bulgarian boyars (regional rulers) and had a population of 2000. The highest peak of Arbanassi’s prosperity was in the second half of the seventeenth century. The village had over 1000 houses and its population included nobility who traded with Italy, the Austria-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and India. The population of Arbanassi developed skills in countless crafts and trades including goldsmitting and textiles. the various buildings dating back to these times including the monasteries and churches are evidence of their prosperity.
In fact, today Arbanassi (Арбанаси in Bulgarian) is known primarily for its historic buildings. Preserved are 144 houses, 7 churches, and 2 monasteries with rich interior decorations, carvings, and wall-paintings dating back to the 13 – 18 centuries. These unique architectural and artistic monuments are the reason why Arbanassi is visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archaeologists, historians, architects, and artists. The houses, built inside massive rock walls, contrast sharply with the picturesque yards and the unique comfort of the interior. Everything, including the furniture, the doors, ceilings and window sills is colorfully decorated with wood carvings. Plaster decorations with flower images adorn the walls. One of the most spectacular buildings are the 17th century churches with their high stone walls and massive oak doors. They harmonically fit in the overall architecture style of the village. The churches are almost without any decoration outside but inside they are luxuriously adorned with incredibly beautiful wood-carvings and paintings.
The seven churches of Arbanassi are some of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian art. All churches are built from rock with iron bars on their windows and rich wall-paintings. One of the oldest and most interesting churches is Rojdestvo Hristovo with its stern looks and ascetic outlook. St. Archangels Mihail and Gavriil is the biggest church while St. Atanas is the smallest one, dating back to 1637. St. Dimitar and St. Georgi were built in 1661 and 1612.