The village of Arbanasi lies 3km to the northeast of the former capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, perching on a high plateau overseeing the Trapezitsa and Tsarevets hills. The settlement saw its bloom in the 17-18th c. when it grew into a wealthy crafts and trade hub. It was during that period that most of its gorgeous houses were erected. 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.
