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| 3 picturesque villages in Bulgaria perfect for a spring holiday! |
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Spring is upon us, the days are getting longer and sunnier and you want to use any opportunity to explore Bulgaria off the beaten path. Perhaps you’re looking for a weekend getaway? It’s still cold and partially snowy high up in the mountains and a beach holiday on the Black Sea is not an option yet.
So why not visit a typical Bulgarian village, enjoy some local hospitality and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere? Here are 3 of the best villages in Bulgaria for a spring holiday!
1. Antique melting pot: Arbanasi
Reportedly established in the Middle Ages by settlers from what is today Albania, Arbanasi (Àðáàíàñè) is located just 5 kilometres from the charming former Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. In the early Ottoman times, it was a Greek-speaking island populated by rich merchants and craftsmen trading throughout Europe. Its wealthy residents built as many as 5 Orthodox churches, famous for their detailed interior murals. Some of the most eminent families of Wallachia (Romania) also had houses in Arbanasi.
Most of Arbanasi’s cultural heritage from the 16th-18th century is well preserved. The cobblestone streets of the ancient village are a great place for a spring walk and a memorable trip into the past. Make sure you visit the enormous Kostantsaliev House and the oldest church, that of the Nativity of Christ with unique frescoes from 1597.
How to get there: Arbanasi is very close to Veliko Tarnovo — the distance is almost walkable. There are regular share taxis (marshrutka) between the centre of Veliko Tarnovo (opposite the Court building) and Arbanasi every day.
2. Snugged in the Balkan Mountains: Bozhentsi
Just north of the historic Shipka Pass you’ll find the quiet and peaceful village of Bozhentsi (Áîæåíöè). Bozhentsi was once an important centre of craftsmanship which exported leather and wool products as well as honey and wax. In modern times, it has almost no permanent population, but its architectural heritage of gorgeous Ottoman-era houses, painted in white and with slated roofs on top has made it a great tourist destination.
Some of the antique workshops are open for visits and the few but quality traditional restaurants will lure you with classic Bulgarian cuisine.
How to get there: Bozhentsi has three or four buses a day to and from Gabrovo, which in turn offers bus and rail connections to the rest of the country.
3. Etara architectural and ethnographic complex
Etara is an architectural and ethnographic complex, the first of its kind in Bulgaria. It was built 50 years ago in the heart of the Stara Planina mountain near the town of Gabrovo and about 50 km from Veliko Turnovo. Etara is an open air museum dedicated to the lifestyle, customs and culture as well as the craftsmanship of our ancestors from a few centuries ago. The complex spreads on 17 acres of land and features over 50 objects including houses, workshops and water installations. You will be able to see architecture from the Bulgarian Revival period, crafts and products from the time when Gabrovo was referred to as 'the Bulgarian Manchester', live customs, rites and rituals if you visit at a time of festival or celebration. Etara offers an extensive list of interactive programs such as hobby and training courses, weekend programs and the annual International Crafts Fair in September. There is a paid parking lot at the south entrance to the complex as well as convenient regular public transport connections (bus route Rusevtsi-Elovitsa and the No1 bus).
There is a hotel and a couple of traditional restaurants and cafes in Etara but Veliko Tarnovo is only a short drive away if you wish to have more accommodation and dining options to choose from.
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| Monday, Feb 22, 2016 |
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| » RENTALS |
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| Commercial |
€ 1 230 |
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| Location: |
Veliko Tarnovo |
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