Arbanassi – A Tourism Gem in the Heart of Bulgaria

Arvanassi is deservedly recognized as one of the most attractive destinations in Bulgaria. It is an architectural preserve and part of the world cultural heritage of UNESCO. Arbanassi is situated on a high rocky plateau with spectacular views on the medieval part of the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Turnovo. The village was founded in the beginning of the 13th century by Bulgarian boyars (regional rulers) and had a population of 2000. Arbanassi reached its economic peak during the second half of the 17 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 houses, churches, and monasteries built during that time are proof of the economic progress and prosperity.

In fact, today Arbanassi (???????? 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 colorful and picturesque inside gardens are in sharp contrast with the massive walls. Everything, including the furniture, the doors, ceilings and window sills is colorfully decorated with wood carvings. Plaster decorations with flower images adorn the walls. Especially beautiful are the churches dating back to the 17 century with their strong high walls, small windows and inaccessible studded 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. Rojdestvo Hristovo is the oldest church with severe and ascetic appearance, and some of the most picturesque interior decoration. 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 constructed in 1661 and 1621.