Architectural, Cultural sights in Bulgaria
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A
Ivan Vazov House-Museum
Bulgaria’s best-loved author, Ivan Vazov (1850–1921), lived at this house, now a museum, from 1895 until his death. Vazov wrote Under the Yoke, a classic of Bulgarian literature based around the 1876 April Uprising against the Turks. Several rooms have been restored to their early-20th-century appearance, and in the study, you can even meet Vazov’s beloved pet dog, Bobby, whom Vazov had stuffed after he was run down by a tram. Downstairs, there’s a small exhibition of photographs and documents, though labelling is only in Bulgarian. You’ll need to ring the doorbell to gain admittance.
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Oslekov House
Oslekov House was built by Oslekov, a rich merchant who was killed in the line of duty during the 1876 April Uprising. Oslekov House was built between 1853 and 1856, and is arguably the best example of Bulgarian National Revival–period architecture in Koprivshtitsa, with a triple-arched entrance, spacious interior, stylish furniture and brightly coloured walls. Woodcarved ceilings, collections of 19th-century costumes, paintings and jewellery add to the experience. Several woodcarvings, some of which were bought during Oslekov’s extensive travels, are also on display.
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B
Hindlian House
Once owned by merchant Stepan Hindlian, Hindlian House, built in 1835, is one of Plovdiv’s most opulent. It’s full of exquisite period furniture and walls painted with real and imaginary landscapes of Venice, Alexandria and Constantinople. These scenes, which took six months to complete, impressed visitors by showing the locales of the owner’s overseas trading empire. The magnificent panelled ceilings and ‘Oriental style’ marble bathroom, with its high, domed ceiling and skylight are other highlights. The small courtyard garden is lovely, too.
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C
Peyo Yavorov House-Museum
The Romantic poet and revolutionary Peyo Yavorov (1878–1914;) briefly lived in the small apartment in this house, now a low-key museum. The three rooms here have been restored to their original appearance, although there are worrying cracks everywhere. Ghoulish mementos include the dress Yavorov’s wife, Lora, was wearing when she killed herself in the study, Yavorov’s death-mask and several photographs of the unhappy couple. Ring the doorbell for admittance.
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Karavelov House
Karavelov House was occupied by the parents of the eminent Lyuben Karavelov (1834–79), a journalist and printer who worked for expatriate Bulgarian revolutionary groups based in Russia, Serbia and Romania. He was also the first chairman of the Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee. A printing press where various seditious newspapers of Karavelov’s were produced is among the exhibits. The three separate buildings were constructed between 1810 and 1835.
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D
Atanas Krastev House
The Atanas Krastev House was where local painter and conservationist Atanas Krastev lived until his death in 2003. His self-portraits and personal collection of (mostly) abstract 20th-century Bulgarian paintings are displayed. The cosy, well-furnished house is strewn with personal mementoes, and the terrace offers superb views. The garden also houses exhibits. Buy paintings by living legend Dimitar Kirov here.
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Benkovski House
Built in 1831 on a southeastern hillside, Benkovski House is associated with the dashing Georgi Benkovski (1843–76), a rebel cavalry commander who led many successful battles until dying in a Turkish ambush. Above the house, and easy to spot from the village centre, is a huge equestrian statue of Benkovski on horseback; climb up to it for the excellent views over the entire valley.
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Kableshkov House
A well-travelled man of means, Todor Kableshkov (1851–76) is revered as having (probably) been the person who fired the first shot in anger to start the 1876 uprising against the Turks. His former home, the glorious Kableshkov House, dates back to 1845 and has numerous exhibits about the April Uprising. Kableshkov’s grave can also be seen in the grounds of the Church of Uspenie Bogorodichno.
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Debelyanov House
Debelyanov House is dedicated to Dimcho Debelyanov (1887–1916), a great poet who penned outstanding works before tragically dying in WWI. Built in 1830, the house features a pretty garden and numerous displays about Debelyanov, but the expected period furniture is scarce and the ceilings low. Debelyanov’s grave can be seen in the grounds of the Church of Uspenie Bogorodichno.
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E
Canetti Trade House
The grandfather of Bulgarian Jewish writer Elias Canetti (1905-94), winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, built this fine house. The cosmopolitan Canetti spoke Ladino, Bulgarian, German and English, embodying the spirit of fin-de-siècle Ruse, a city marked by its mixed nationalities and cultures. The house is now a private residence, so you can only look on from outside.
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F
House-Museum
Built in 1861 by a rich Turkish merchant and moneylender, this fine five-storey National Revival–period style house-museum displays antique ceramics, metalwork, woodcarvings and jewellery, and has some fascinating exhibits about traditional costumes and breadmaking. Revival-period furniture fills the upper floor, along with vintage family photos on the walls.
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G
Danov House
The Danov House, dedicated to renowned writer and publisher Hristo Danov and several other Bulgarian authors, contains a re-creation of a bookshop and a National Revival–era classroom. There’s an old printing press, and the gardens offer wonderful views. Enter through a wall up the laneway leading to the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa.
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H
Lamartine House
Built in 1830, the elegant Lamartine House, also called the Georgi Mavridi House, belongs to the Union of Bulgarian Writers. The building is named after the French poet, Alphonse de Lamartine, who stayed for three days in 1833, during his ‘travels in the Orient’.
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I
Balabanov House
Once owned by Luka Balabanov, a wealthy 19th-century merchant, the Balabanov House was completely rebuilt in 1980 according to the original blueprints. It contains modern paintings and gorgeous antique furniture.
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Zlatyu Boyadjiev House
Zlatyu Boyadjiev House, opposite Hikers Hostel in the old town, contains paintings by Plovdiv native Zlatyu Boyadjiev (1903–76), many idealising the Bulgarian peasantry; some cover entire walls.
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