Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
church's hand-carved central iconostasis is also magnificent. Over 3500 figures are depicted in some 2000 scenes
throughout the church, which also boasts lavish wood iconostases created by Tryavna School carvers.
The 16th-century Church of Sveti Arhangeli Mikhail & Gavril , built over a ruined medieval church, also con-
tains impressive frescoes. The wooden iconostases were also carved by Tryavna artisans. Arbanasi's final major
site, the 17th-century Konstantsalieva House (admission 5 lev) , was later rebuilt in National Revival style. It con-
tains period furniture (and a souvenir shop with embroidery and other handicrafts). Arbanasi also hosts three 17th-
century working monasteries: Sveti Georgi Church , the Sveta Bogoroditsa Monastery (
620 322) and the
Sveti Nikolai Monastery (
650 345; Arbanasi) . All are usually open.
For equestrians, the Arbanasi Horse Base ( 623 668) , on the village's eastern edge, provides a nice opportun-
ity to enjoy guided horse riding trips in the lush hills around Arbanasi. Phone for programs and prices, or consult
Veliko Târnovo's Tourist Information Centre. It also hosts a riding tournament each June.
There's no need to linger after seeing the sights, but should you seek some pampering the Hotel Arbanassi
Palace ( 630 176; www.arbanassipalace.bg ; s/d/ste from 90/125/170 lv; ) is the most vener-
able of several clifftop resorts. This grandly aging structure (once Todor Zhivkov's local residence) has great views
over the valley towards Veliko Târnovo from the restaurant balcony, and from many of the rooms. Despite its
dishevelled appearance, the place nevertheless has an elegant marble interior and smart modern rooms. The resort
activities include horse riding, tennis, swimming and spa centre.
For humbler but still decent digs, the central Rooms Mehana Arbat ( 631 811; s/d incl breakfast 35/50 lv)
offers doubles with weathered wood floors and traditional furnishings. Bathrooms are simple but modern. It's just
above the similarly named Mehana Arbat (
631 811; mains 6-12 lv) , which does great Bulgarian fare at reason-
able prices.
The Arbanasi municipal website ( www.arbanassi.org ) contains information about local history, accommodation,
eating and activities. With only a couple of streets, it's impossible to get lost, and ATMs exist in the centre.
Around Veliko Târnovo
PREOBRAZHENSKI MONASTERY
Preobrazhenski Monastir (Monastery of the Transfiguration; monastery admission 2lv) ,
originally dating from 1360, is located high in a forest 7km north of Veliko Târnovo. Bul-
garia's fourth-largest monastery, it offers fantastic views. Despite being destroyed by the
Turks in the late 14th century, it was rebuilt in 1825, about 500m from the original site,
but was later damaged by landslides. On both sides of the main church, note the massive
rocks: they tumbled down the hill and miraculously just missed the building.
The monastery's churches boast murals painted between 1849 and 1851 by the
renowned Zahari Zograf. While the best inhabit Veliko Târnovo's Archaeological Mu-
seum, a restoration program has brightened up the remaining age-blackened frescoes,
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