This huge, gloriously titled neo-baroque building dominates the western end of pl Svoboda. Built between 1898 and 1902 by Viennese architects, it was intended as a home for the Dramatic Theatre (which is still here) and several shops. The rents from these were used to fund local schools, hence the name. These days it also houses a few restaurants.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Roman Fortress of Sexaginta Prista
0.33 MILES
Archaeological work is ongoing at this former Roman fortress at a high point along the Danube. Research attests to some 2000 years of continued military…
0.79 MILES
The country's only National Transport Museum is housed in the building of Bulgaria's first railway station. It exhibits vintage locomotives from the late…
Ruse Regional Museum of History
0.37 MILES
The 5th-century BC Borovo Treasure, consisting of silver cups and jugs adorned with Greek gods, is one of the highlights of Ruse's main history museum…
Pantheon of the National Revival
0.43 MILES
The gold-domed Pantheon of the National Revival was built in 1978 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the deaths of 453 local heroes who fought the…
Museum of the Urban Lifestyle in Ruse
0.29 MILES
Built in 1866 this elegant townhouse features some re-created period rooms, with 19th-century furniture, paintings and chandeliers upstairs. Downstairs…
0.2 MILES
Built in 1632 below ground level – according to the Turkish stipulation that churches should be as unobtrusive as possible – Sveta Troitsa has a fine gilt…
Catholic Church of St Paul the Crucified
0.24 MILES
This church just off ul Pridunavski was completed in 1892. Its original murals, stained-glass windows, chandeliers and icons survive. St Paul’s was the…
0.05 MILES
This grand sculpture stands in the middle of pl Svoboda (Freedom Square) and is a popular meeting point. The woman depicted is said to represent free…
Nearby Ruse attractions
0.05 MILES
This grand sculpture stands in the middle of pl Svoboda (Freedom Square) and is a popular meeting point. The woman depicted is said to represent free…
0.1 MILES
Ruse's city hall is a hulking brutalist building from the mid-1980s and typical of communist-era public architecture. Local residents sometimes refer to…
0.13 MILES
The clock tower, on the site of Bulgaria's first insurance company, is a popular meeting point.
0.2 MILES
Built in 1632 below ground level – according to the Turkish stipulation that churches should be as unobtrusive as possible – Sveta Troitsa has a fine gilt…
5. Catholic Church of St Paul the Crucified
0.24 MILES
This church just off ul Pridunavski was completed in 1892. Its original murals, stained-glass windows, chandeliers and icons survive. St Paul’s was the…
6. Museum of the Urban Lifestyle in Ruse
0.29 MILES
Built in 1866 this elegant townhouse features some re-created period rooms, with 19th-century furniture, paintings and chandeliers upstairs. Downstairs…
7. Roman Fortress of Sexaginta Prista
0.33 MILES
Archaeological work is ongoing at this former Roman fortress at a high point along the Danube. Research attests to some 2000 years of continued military…
8. Ruse Regional Museum of History
0.37 MILES
The 5th-century BC Borovo Treasure, consisting of silver cups and jugs adorned with Greek gods, is one of the highlights of Ruse's main history museum…