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FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO PRESENT DAYS
The first steps are made under the cultural influence of Thracians, Proto-Bulgarians and Slavs (9th century). The national architecture quickly started shaping its own face. By the end of 10th century it has already freed itself from foreign influence and created its own appearence.
The Bulgarian architectural tradition namely blending to the environment, with stern and static forms is discernible today in the building of Boyana Church (suburbs of Sofia).
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During the Second Bulgarian State (12th - 14th centuries) the enriched stylistic techniques were manifested in the Holy 40 Martyrs Church and in St Peter and Paul Church in Veliko Turnovo. Their peak is attained in the Nessebur churches of Pantocrator and Aleiturgetot.
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The picturesqueness and mobility of the composition reached their perfection during the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th - 19th centuries) in great masterpieces such as Rila Monastery (the present day construction) and of course the Bulgarian National Renaissance houses.
Depending on the overall external appearence and decoration - wood-carving or murals - on the colouring of iron facings, the houses and architectural ensembles differ in the different regions.
Some places worth visiting:
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Koprivshtitsa
The houses dated to the second half of the 19th century have exquisite painted facades and sunny verandahs, with carved ceilings and stylish European furnishings and rooms with harmoniously painted walls.
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Tryavna
The houses, dated from the 19th century, are two-storey, covered with heavy stone tiles, with white timbered facade to the street, bay windows lacework eaves and spacious verandahs with high seats and settees.
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Bozhentsi
Two-storey houses with white facades, dated from the 18th century, overgrown with ivy and laced with crane's bill, heavy tiled roofs, decorative white chimneys, large roofed verandahs and yards steeped in verdure.
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Kotel and Zheravna
Situated 14 km from each other, the houses are nearly the same. The stone-tiled roofs blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain slopes. All the houses in Zheravna, without exception, look to the south. The ceiling and the doors are decorated with geometrical forms, stylized plants and animals.
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Austere houses with heavy gates that resemble minor fortresses are typical of Arbanassi, Melnik and Bansko.
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Arbanassi
The village was the royal residence of the old capital city of Veliko Turnovo. The oldest stone buildings are richly decorated with carvings and wrought iron. They are recalling for the wealthy life of their former inhabitants. |
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Melnik
Large houses, dated back from 17th and 18th centuries. The lower ground floor is high, while the upper living quarters are overhanging the lower part and frequently have two rows of windows. The fireplaces continue into chimneys which
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are part both of the interior and the facade.
The basement houses the cellar where the famous Melnik wine is aged.
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Bansko
The town's architecture resembles that of monasteries in many respects. The fortified house's austere and inaccessible appearence is broken only by the spaceous verandah with carved columns and railings. |
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Nessebur
Houses with special charm, built during 18th - 19th centuries. They are of the Black Sea type, with stone basements, wooden staircases leading up to the living quarter with overhanging the lower round floor. They are faced with beams to protect the building from the humid salty air. Nessebur is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Old Plovdiv
Picturesquely situated on 3 hills, more ancient than Bulgaria itself, the city preserves the eternal values of its 6 millenia-long history like a huge pantheon. The town is one of the ancient crossroads between East and West with many landmarks remaining from Roman times.
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The Bulgarian National Revival architecture (18th - 19th centuries) in the old town was created by Bulgarian master builders.
Along the steep cobblestone lanes, behind stone walls and iron-studded gates, rising silhouettes in warm colours, overhanging facades with many windows and striking details, shape the appearance of the Plovdiv symmetrical house.
Every house has its own style and atmosphere, its intimate world with carved ceilings and bright murals, with fine furniture from Venice, Vienna and London.
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Veliko Turnovo
Veliko Turnovo has preserved the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival times.
The old part embraces the architectural ensembles on Gurko street and in Samovodene marketplace. The distinct Turnovo building tradition is influenced by the terrain.
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Stately buildings with bay windows and garrets are dug one above the other into the rocky hills.
The works of the self-taught master Nikola Ficheto are genuine architectural masterpieces. The old capital is part and parcel of the appearance of the modern city.
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Our BULGARIAN ARCHITECTURE 8-days/7-nights tour features the wealth of different architectural styles.
You will be very much impressed by the Boyana Church and the Rila Monastery (both - UNESCO sites), the Holy 40 Martyrs Church and the St. Peter and Paul Church in Veliko Turnovo, that have marked the beginning of the Bulgarian architectural tradition.
Unchanged for centuries, in harmony with the present days appearance, the old parts of Plovdiv and Veliko Turnovo, as well as Koprivshtitsa, Arbanassi, Melnik, Bozhentsi and more.... are the towns and villages on the itinerary. Famous for keeping the Bulgarian spirit and character, they will make you feel the original architectural phenomenon of our Renaissance houses.
These specialty private guided cultural tours are upon request, customizable, and recommendable for 2 or more travelers because of the better price for you. Special discounts apply for groups of minimum 6 travelers.
The tour price includes land services only. It may vary depending on the type of hotel accommodation, transportation and guide service. Guaranteed departures daily (March - November).
Tour operators, travel agencies or corporate clients, please, ask
tour details or email us.
If you are private traveler(s), please, ask
tour details or email us.
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Back to top | Tell a Friend | Tips to avoid travel disappointment
References and testimonials | Top 10 reasons to travel with Altours
Top 20 Bulgarian Recipes | 20 Things NOT to miss in Bulgaria
Bulgarian Cuisine, (video clip, 02:14)
Bulgarian Monasteries, (video clip, 05:00)
Bulgarian Ethnography and Traditions, (video clip, 06:35)
Bulgarian Treasures, (video clip, 03:20)
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