Tryavna is situated in central Bulgaria, about 250 kilometers from Sofia and Varna, and at an elevation of 440 meters above mean sea level. The settlement is located at the foot of Stara planina’s northern slopes (Old Mountain, the Balkan). Tryavna has a population of roughly 10,000 people.
According to historical records, Thracian tribes occupied the area around the modern-day town. As early as the 18th century, a community existed there, and by the 19th century, the town had developed into a cultural and craft center. During the Bulgarian Revival Period (18th–19th centuries), the town established the Tryavna Artistic School.
Even now, Tryavna retains the essence of this era. The Clock Tower, one of Tryavna’s icons, is located in the town’s center. It was constructed in 1814 and stands at a height of 21 meters. By virtue of publication in the State Gazette, issue No 96 of 1967, the tower was designated an architectural-construction monument of national significance.
The Tryavna Artistic School’s works are on exhibit at a number of institutions. The Daskalov’s House is home to the world-famous wood-carved suns. They were created by masters Ivan Bochukovetsa and Dimitar Oshanetsa, who competed against one another in 1808 to demonstrate their abilities. Additionally, the Museum of Wood Carving is located nearby. Daskalov’s House was designated an architectural-construction monument of national significance in 1967 after publication in the State Gazette, issue No 96. On a hill above Tryavna, the Museum of Icons preserves artifacts of the Tryavna Icon-Painting School. It features over 160 original icons and tools from the collection of Tryavna’s icon painters. The museum is housed in a building that was constructed to serve as a chapel for the nearby pediatric pulmonary hospital.
Slaveykov’s House is directly across the street from Daskalov’s House. Petko Slaveykov (1827 – 1895), a poet, and his wife Irina raised their whole family there. A particular display of papers chronicles Petko’s and his son, the poet Pencho Slaveykov’s creative achievements.
The Old School, which allows visitors to experience how courses were conducted in 1893, is also situated in the town center. The school-display museum’s contains texts, aids, and certificates. Additionally, visitors will find an interesting collection of watches from various historical eras as well as paintings by artist Dimitar Kazakov (1933 – 1992). The Church of Archangel Michael, which was established in the 12th century according to local traditions, is situated next to the Old School. Visitors are drawn to the wood-carved iconostasis and wall murals. Archangel Michael Temple, which, according to local legends, dates all the way back to the 12th century, is also nearby.
Raykov’s House is another local attraction. The house’s exhibition blends traditional Bulgarian practices with Western European influences. This was the home of Pencho Raykov, Bulgaria’s first professor of chemistry. By virtue of publication in the State Gazette, issue No 96 of 1967, the house and its yard were designated architectural-construction monuments of national significance.
Tryavna is home to the Balkan Peninsula’s only Museum of Asian and African Art, whose collection of African and Asian artifacts and religious sculptures was given by artist Zlatko Paunov. Over 380 artefacts from Tibet, Nepal, India, and numerous African nations are on display in the museum. There are statues of the most revered Asian deities on display. African art is embodied through objects and masks. Numerous masks associated with voodoo and pagan rites are on show at the museum. The majority of African masks portray devils with their eyes down.
At the home where revolutionary Angel Kanchev (1850 – 1872) was born, visitors may learn more about the history of the local people who lived throughout the period of national liberation efforts. There are authentic weaponry, vintage pictures, and artifacts from that era on display. The home was designated a cultural architectural-construction monument upon publication in the State Gazette, number 96 of 1967.
The historic street of Tryavna is located on the other side of the nineteenth-century bridge, which has also been designated a cultural architectural-construction monument (by virtue of publication in State Gazette, issue No 96 of 1967). There are several wood carving studios and souvenir stores located there. This section of Tryavna is home to a shoemaker’s business (where leather shoes are created) and a workshop where national costumes are sewn. Art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the town’s art galleries.
Tryavna, located in Central Stara planina, is an excellent location for mountain tourism. The Tryavna Region’s two peaks – Golyam Krastets (2034 m) and Barzovets – are accessible through designated tourist paths (897 m). On the heights, chapels dedicated to St. Ivan of Rila, St. Sofia, Vyara, Nadezhda, and Lyubov are constructed (St. Sofia, Faith, Hope, and Love). There are rest areas and shelters located throughout the region. Additional defined paths are available in Balgarka Nature Park, which spans sections of Tryavna and Gabrovo.
There are several hotels and family guesthouses in Tryavna and the surrounding area. Additionally, there are several restaurants and places serving fascinating old-recipe prepared foods.
Transportation in Tryavna
How To Travel To Tryavna
By car
Tryavna is ideally located in central Bulgaria — it takes around three hours to get from all of the country’s main towns, including Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Additionally, it is approximately 45 minutes from Veliko Tarnovo. This makes Tryavna an ideal stopover if you’re traveling and want to see as much as possible while you’re here. The town is located on Route 609 and Route 552, which intersect at Tryavna. Highway 55, which runs north-south, passes to the east of the town, while Highway 5 passes to the west.
By bus
Getting to Tryavna by bus is only available from Sofia (and the nearby larger city of Gabrovo), and the firm Union Ivkoni operates the buses twice daily. A one-way ticket costs around 17 leva (9 EUR), while a two-way ticket costs approximately 27 leva (14 EUR). The bus terminal in Tryavna is less than a ten-minute walk from the city center, so there is no need to worry about getting lost.
By train
Train travel in Bulgaria is a whole other experience. Let us simply say that our trains have retained their attractiveness from the socialist era and have remained almost unchanged since then. Trains connect Tryavna to almost every important city in the nation. Trains here are very inexpensive, but also unbelievably sluggish (it would take you between 5 and 7 hours to travel between Sofia and Tryavna). Therefore, unless you have unlimited time on your hands, I’d recommend taking a shorter excursion on the Bulgarian trains. However, the railway station is next to the bus terminal, making it rather handy.
How To Around Tryavna
The town has a limited bus system, as well as taxis and marshrutkas. However, it is a tiny village, and the most of the historical and fascinating attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Sights & Landmarks In Tryavna
Despite its little size, Tryavna offers a plethora of activities.
Museum of Icon-Painting and Wood-Carving (Музеят на иконописта и дърворезбата), No. 1, Breza Str., +359 896 755 938. Winter: 08:30 – 16:309; summer: 10:00 – 18:00. The museum has the world’s sole collection of Tryavna icons dating from the 17th to the early nineteenth centuries. Over 160 unique icons showcase the work of six illustrious generations of icon artists.
Angel Kanchev Museum-House (Ангел Кънчев Къщата-музей), No. 39, Angel Kunchev Str. (39 ул. Ангел Кънчев.), +359 896 755 935. Closed in winter; summer: 09:30-13:30 and 14:00-18:00. Documents and domestic life exhibits chronicle Angel Kunchev’s life and revolutionary work, the townspeople’s struggle to free themselves from the Turkish Yoke, and the town’s participation in the Russian-Turkish War of Liberation (1877-1878).
The Clock Tower and Old Bridge (Часовниковата кула и стария мост) (Close to the center of town). No closed hours.. The Clock Tower was constructed in 1814 and the clock, which still runs, was erected in 1815. There is no charge.
St. Archangel Michael Church (Св. Архангел Михаил), No. 128 Angel Kunchev Str. (128 ул. Ангел Кънчев), +91-22-2222-1234, fax: +91-22-2222-1235. A cultural treasure originating from the Middle Ages; it retains an antique cross with twelve scenes from the Bible carved onto it; the church iconostasis and bishop’s seat have been acknowledged as masterpieces of the Tryavna school of woodcarving.
Things To Do In Tryavna
Tryavna, as a historical hamlet and architectural preservation – the ancient buildings have been preserved – has a lot to offer sightseers, photographers, and those who like shopping and similar activities. Additionally, the town is home to a variety of galleries and museums that house artwork and relics from throughout Bulgaria’s history.
While strolling around the city center in the evening, you are certain to hear some loud traditional Bulgarian music being played at different restaurants. Indeed, this is how many people enjoy their dinners — by eating traditional cuisine, listening to live music, and perhaps getting up to perform some traditional dances during the evening. Set aside a few hours for supper at either Tavern Old House, Balabanov’s House, or any other restaurant that strikes your attention.
The local brewery is a must-see attraction in Tryavna, particularly for beer enthusiasts. Luc’s is a Belgian-owned brewery that makes live beer for immediate drinking close to the restaurant.
Visit the rest center of Hotel Kalina Palace, which provides pleasant SPA treatments to its guests and other travelers. On the last day of my stay in Tryavna, I had the opportunity to indulge in a 50-minute full body massage, which was the perfect way to close the vacation. Additionally, the center has a salt room, a hydro-massage turbojet tub, and tourmaline massage beds.
Food & Restaurants In Tryavna
Kalincheva House Restaurant (Kalincheva Къща ресторант), No. 45 P. R. Slaveikov Str. (45 ул. П. Р. Славейков) (near the center of town), +359 6776 2024, kalincheva-house@tryavna.biz. This restaurant provides traditional Bulgarian cuisine and is situated in the town’s historic district. It is housed in a conserved home from the National Revival Period, dating all the way back to 1830.
Old Vine Restaurant (Старата Лоза ресторант), No. 44 P. R. Slaveikov Str. (44 ул. П. Р. Славейков) (near the center of town), +359 677 64501, fax: +359 677 62048, starata-loza@tryavna.biz. Atmosphere reminiscent of the countryside, traditional Bulgarian cuisine, and a summer garden.
Tryavna Beer House (Бирария Трявна), No. 7 Angel Kanchev Str. (7 ул. (near the center of town), +359 677 63727, fax: +359 677 66007, belinvest@abv.bg. This business serves as a gathering spot for true enthusiasts of beer and food. They brew beer using only natural Belgian ingredients, classic Belgian methods, and technology.
Shopping In Tryavna
Tryavna is densely packed with retail choices, the most of which appeal to visitors, including boutiques offering sojourners, apparel, jewelry, arts and crafts, and similar products.
Art-M Gallery (Арт-М галерия), Address (20 ул. Ангел Кънчев), +359 677 624 92. Paintings, icons, miniature sculptures, and memorabilia.
Gabi Company (Габи Дружеството), No. 50 Angel Kanchev Str. (50 ул. Ангел Кънчев), +359 887 348 163, office@gabi-jewellery.com. Unique handmade jewelry.
Pavel Pavlov Craft Enterprise (Павел Павлов занаятите), No. 9 V. Mihalev Str. Fl. 3 Ap.10 (No. 9 ул. В. Михалев Str. Етаж 3 Апартамент 10), +359 895 121 861. Woodworking is an art form, as is the specialized fabrication of wooden toys.
Peter Shterev (Петър Щерев), No. 13 Zdravets Str. (13 ул. Здравец), +359 897 960 431, galinaartsuveniri@abv.bg. A master of traditional Bulgarian dance shoes for dances and souvenirs.
Nightlife in Tryavna
Bulgaria and Tryavna are densely populated with drinking facilities. Beer and alcohol are accessible in practically all coffee shops, restaurants, and other establishments that provide food and drinks. There are a few places that provide only alcoholic beverages.
Tryavna
Tryavna
Tryavna is situated in central Bulgaria, about 250 kilometers from Sofia and Varna, and at an elevation of 440 meters above mean sea level. The settlement is located at the foot of Stara planina’s northern slopes (Old Mountain, the Balkan). Tryavna has a population of roughly 10,000 people.
According to historical records, Thracian tribes occupied the area around the modern-day town. As early as the 18th century, a community existed there, and by the 19th century, the town had developed into a cultural and craft center. During the Bulgarian Revival Period (18th–19th centuries), the town established the Tryavna Artistic School.
Even now, Tryavna retains the essence of this era. The Clock Tower, one of Tryavna’s icons, is located in the town’s center. It was constructed in 1814 and stands at a height of 21 meters. By virtue of publication in the State Gazette, issue No 96 of 1967, the tower was designated an architectural-construction monument of national significance.
The Tryavna Artistic School’s works are on exhibit at a number of institutions. The Daskalov’s House is home to the world-famous wood-carved suns. They were created by masters Ivan Bochukovetsa and Dimitar Oshanetsa, who competed against one another in 1808 to demonstrate their abilities. Additionally, the Museum of Wood Carving is located nearby. Daskalov’s House was designated an architectural-construction monument of national significance in 1967 after publication in the State Gazette, issue No 96. On a hill above Tryavna, the Museum of Icons preserves artifacts of the Tryavna Icon-Painting School. It features over 160 original icons and tools from the collection of Tryavna’s icon painters. The museum is housed in a building that was constructed to serve as a chapel for the nearby pediatric pulmonary hospital.
Slaveykov’s House is directly across the street from Daskalov’s House. Petko Slaveykov (1827 – 1895), a poet, and his wife Irina raised their whole family there. A particular display of papers chronicles Petko’s and his son, the poet Pencho Slaveykov’s creative achievements.
The Old School, which allows visitors to experience how courses were conducted in 1893, is also situated in the town center. The school-display museum’s contains texts, aids, and certificates. Additionally, visitors will find an interesting collection of watches from various historical eras as well as paintings by artist Dimitar Kazakov (1933 – 1992). The Church of Archangel Michael, which was established in the 12th century according to local traditions, is situated next to the Old School. Visitors are drawn to the wood-carved iconostasis and wall murals. Archangel Michael Temple, which, according to local legends, dates all the way back to the 12th century, is also nearby.
Raykov’s House is another local attraction. The house’s exhibition blends traditional Bulgarian practices with Western European influences. This was the home of Pencho Raykov, Bulgaria’s first professor of chemistry. By virtue of publication in the State Gazette, issue No 96 of 1967, the house and its yard were designated architectural-construction monuments of national significance.
Tryavna is home to the Balkan Peninsula’s only Museum of Asian and African Art, whose collection of African and Asian artifacts and religious sculptures was given by artist Zlatko Paunov. Over 380 artefacts from Tibet, Nepal, India, and numerous African nations are on display in the museum. There are statues of the most revered Asian deities on display. African art is embodied through objects and masks. Numerous masks associated with voodoo and pagan rites are on show at the museum. The majority of African masks portray devils with their eyes down.
At the home where revolutionary Angel Kanchev (1850 – 1872) was born, visitors may learn more about the history of the local people who lived throughout the period of national liberation efforts. There are authentic weaponry, vintage pictures, and artifacts from that era on display. The home was designated a cultural architectural-construction monument upon publication in the State Gazette, number 96 of 1967.
The historic street of Tryavna is located on the other side of the nineteenth-century bridge, which has also been designated a cultural architectural-construction monument (by virtue of publication in State Gazette, issue No 96 of 1967). There are several wood carving studios and souvenir stores located there. This section of Tryavna is home to a shoemaker’s business (where leather shoes are created) and a workshop where national costumes are sewn. Art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the town’s art galleries.
Tryavna, located in Central Stara planina, is an excellent location for mountain tourism. The Tryavna Region’s two peaks – Golyam Krastets (2034 m) and Barzovets – are accessible through designated tourist paths (897 m). On the heights, chapels dedicated to St. Ivan of Rila, St. Sofia, Vyara, Nadezhda, and Lyubov are constructed (St. Sofia, Faith, Hope, and Love). There are rest areas and shelters located throughout the region. Additional defined paths are available in Balgarka Nature Park, which spans sections of Tryavna and Gabrovo.
There are several hotels and family guesthouses in Tryavna and the surrounding area. Additionally, there are several restaurants and places serving fascinating old-recipe prepared foods.
Transportation in Tryavna
How To Travel To Tryavna
By car
Tryavna is ideally located in central Bulgaria — it takes around three hours to get from all of the country’s main towns, including Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Additionally, it is approximately 45 minutes from Veliko Tarnovo. This makes Tryavna an ideal stopover if you’re traveling and want to see as much as possible while you’re here. The town is located on Route 609 and Route 552, which intersect at Tryavna. Highway 55, which runs north-south, passes to the east of the town, while Highway 5 passes to the west.
By bus
Getting to Tryavna by bus is only available from Sofia (and the nearby larger city of Gabrovo), and the firm Union Ivkoni operates the buses twice daily. A one-way ticket costs around 17 leva (9 EUR), while a two-way ticket costs approximately 27 leva (14 EUR). The bus terminal in Tryavna is less than a ten-minute walk from the city center, so there is no need to worry about getting lost.
By train
Train travel in Bulgaria is a whole other experience. Let us simply say that our trains have retained their attractiveness from the socialist era and have remained almost unchanged since then. Trains connect Tryavna to almost every important city in the nation. Trains here are very inexpensive, but also unbelievably sluggish (it would take you between 5 and 7 hours to travel between Sofia and Tryavna). Therefore, unless you have unlimited time on your hands, I’d recommend taking a shorter excursion on the Bulgarian trains. However, the railway station is next to the bus terminal, making it rather handy.
How To Around Tryavna
The town has a limited bus system, as well as taxis and marshrutkas. However, it is a tiny village, and the most of the historical and fascinating attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Sights & Landmarks In Tryavna
Despite its little size, Tryavna offers a plethora of activities.
Things To Do In Tryavna
Tryavna, as a historical hamlet and architectural preservation – the ancient buildings have been preserved – has a lot to offer sightseers, photographers, and those who like shopping and similar activities. Additionally, the town is home to a variety of galleries and museums that house artwork and relics from throughout Bulgaria’s history.
While strolling around the city center in the evening, you are certain to hear some loud traditional Bulgarian music being played at different restaurants. Indeed, this is how many people enjoy their dinners — by eating traditional cuisine, listening to live music, and perhaps getting up to perform some traditional dances during the evening. Set aside a few hours for supper at either Tavern Old House, Balabanov’s House, or any other restaurant that strikes your attention.
The local brewery is a must-see attraction in Tryavna, particularly for beer enthusiasts. Luc’s is a Belgian-owned brewery that makes live beer for immediate drinking close to the restaurant.
Visit the rest center of Hotel Kalina Palace, which provides pleasant SPA treatments to its guests and other travelers. On the last day of my stay in Tryavna, I had the opportunity to indulge in a 50-minute full body massage, which was the perfect way to close the vacation. Additionally, the center has a salt room, a hydro-massage turbojet tub, and tourmaline massage beds.
Food & Restaurants In Tryavna
Shopping In Tryavna
Tryavna is densely packed with retail choices, the most of which appeal to visitors, including boutiques offering sojourners, apparel, jewelry, arts and crafts, and similar products.
Nightlife in Tryavna
Bulgaria and Tryavna are densely populated with drinking facilities. Beer and alcohol are accessible in practically all coffee shops, restaurants, and other establishments that provide food and drinks. There are a few places that provide only alcoholic beverages.
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