Things to Do in Sliven

Located outside of Veliko Tarnovo in the village of Arbanassi, the Konstantsalieva House offers a glimpse into the life of wealthy Bulgarian merchants centuries ago. A great example of traditional Bulgarian architecture, the first floor of the house is made of stone and originally featured store rooms and living quarters for servants. The second floor is made of wood and once consisted of a reception hall, living and dining rooms and a private room for expectant and young mothers. As is typical for Arbanassi, a tall stone wall surrounds the house and large yard.

Today, the house functions as a museum showing off the daily life and culture of Arbanassi in the early 19th century. The house has been restored in a national revival style and rooms are decorated much as they were back then, with white fretwork, hand-carved wooden figures and other drawings and crafts. There is also a souvenir shop and small ethnographic gallery.

Perched on a mountaintop overlooking one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Tsarevets Fortress is—both geographically and statistically—the top attraction of Veliko Târnovo. Dating back to the 12th century, the imposing fortress is known for its medieval architecture and royal legacy.