Arbanassi is one of the most picturesque old villages in Bulgaria. Arbanassi is past of the world cultural heritage and is a declared UNESCO preserve. Arbanassi overlooks the ancient capital of Bulgaria Veliko Turnovo from a high rock vista opening up spectacular views on the river Jantra and the walls of the Turnovo. The village was founded in the beginning of the 13th century by Bulgarian boyars (regional rulers) and had a population of 2000. Arbanassi reached its economic peak during the second half of the 17 century. The population of the village engaged in international trade with counterparts in the Mediterranean, Russia and as far off as India. The population of Arbanassi developed skills in countless crafts and trades including goldsmitting and textiles. the various buildings dating back to these times including the monasteries and churches are evidence of their prosperity.
In fact, today Arbanassi (???????? in Bulgarian) is known primarily for its historic buildings. Preserved are 144 houses, 7 churches, and 2 monasteries with rich interior decorations, carvings, and wall-paintings dating back to the 13 – 18 centuries. These unique architectural and artistic monuments are the reason why Arbanassi is visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archaeologists, historians, architects, and artists. The houses, built inside massive rock walls, contrast sharply with the picturesque yards and the unique comfort of the interior. The ceilings, the doors, the furniture and the windows are luxuriously decorated with wood-carvings. Plaster decorations with flower images adorn the walls. Especially beautiful are the churches dating back to the 17 century with their strong high walls, small windows and inaccessible studded oak doors. They harmonically fit in the overall architecture style of the village. The churches are almost without any decoration outside but inside they are luxuriously adorned with incredibly beautiful wood-carvings and paintings.
The seven churches of Arbanassi are some of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian art. All churches are built from rock with iron bars on their windows and rich wall-paintings. One of the oldest and most interesting churches is Rojdestvo Hristovo with its stern looks and ascetic outlook. St. Archangels Mihail and Gavriil is the biggest church while St. Atanas is the smallest one, dating back to 1637. St. Dimitar and St. Georgi were built in 1661 and 1612.
