Arbanassi  *** - Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi (Арбанаси) is a village in Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, set on a high plateau between the larger towns of Veliko Tarnovo (4 kilometres away) and Gorna Oryahovitsa. It is known for the rich history and large number of historical monuments, such as 17th and 18th century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, which have turned it into a popular tourist destination.

The village's name comes from the Albanian word Arbërës or Arbanas, which means "land worker". From this root word, the Turkish arnavut, was used to denote Albanians and other people that came from parts of Macedonia and Albania that had a large Albanian population, regardless of nationality. Arbanasi was a stronghold of Greek cultural affiliation for centuries. Greek language was official in the town, there was a Greek school and divine services were in Greek. This, however, did not reflect the local population's national self-consciousness, as Arbanasi residents took part in the organized armed struggle of Bulgarians that ultimately led to the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule as a consequence of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78.

The oldest houses of Arbanasi are made entirely of stone and resemble tiny models of fortresses that cannot be seen anywhere else in Bulgaria. These houses have internal staircases and small windows with metal bars, which strengthen the impression of fortress-like constructions.

In 1921, the village was declared a holiday complex via a royal decree, while since 2000, it has been recognised as “a historical village” of national importance. The architectural museum that the entire Arbanasi represents has 144 renovated houses, 5 churches with rich internal decoration and 2 monasteries. Apart from the abundance of tourist sights, the village also offers plenty of hotels and nice restaurants to its visitors.

Landmarks

• Arbanasi Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God (17th-18th century);
• Monastery of Saint Nicholas (17th-18th century);
• Church of the Nativity of Christ (c. 15th-17th century);
• Church of Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel (16th-18th century);
• Church of Saint Athanasius (17th century);
• Church of Saint George (17th century);
• Church of Saint Demetrius (17th-18th century);
• Konstantsaliyata's House (18th century);
• Hadzhi Iliya's House;
• Other 18th century merchant's houses.

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