Arbanasi

Arbanasi is a unique settlement, founded at the end of the 15th century. by Christians who had come from the southwestern parts of the Balkans. In 1582 it was registered as a vakuf of Rustem pasha. The Greek language and literature were a uniting factor for the diverse Christian population. During the 17th and 18th centuries the settlement prospered. Its residents were actively involved with foreign trade and kept close contacts with Italy, Austro-Hungary, Russia, Vlashko (part of Romania) and India. They also acted as intermediaries between European cities and Constantinople. The trade of goldsmiths, coppersmiths, blacksmiths, and silk-worm breeders developed. The church played a very significant role in the social life of Arbanassi. There are 5 churches and 2 monasteries from the 16th and 17th centuries in the village. Small schools were built later as parts of these churches.

Today Arbanasi is an architectural and museum reserve. It is a picturesque open-air museum of cultural heritage, which includes 80 houses, most impressive of which are the Konstanzalieva, Hadji-ilieva, Hadji-kostova, Chamurova, Kandilarova and Lecheva, as well as 5 churches "Rozhdestvo Hristovo" (Nativity) with more than 3,600 frescoes, "St. George"", "St. Dimitar", "St. Atanas", "Archangels St.Mihail and St. Gavrail". The numerous monasteries in the region around Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (Preobrazhenie /Tranfiguration/, Kilifarevski, Plakovski, Drianovski), all keepers of Bulgarian spirit and tradition through the centuries, still have traces of bygone grandeur, original architecture, valuable wall-paintings, ancient icons, exquisite fretwork and rare manuscripts.

A perfect place for your holiday

With its location in the vicinity of the medieval Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo , with its unique tradition in architecture and specific Aegean climate, Arbanassi is the perfect place for your holiday. Apart from unique experience, it promises you tranquility, comfort and relaxation.

How to get there

The village of Arbanasi is situated 4 km to the northeast of Veliko Tarnovo . It can be reached by car or by shuttle bus (route taxi) with the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa as the final destination.

For more information visit the official website: www.arbanassibg.com