Information about Tryavna

Tryavna municipality is located in central Bulgaria and borders the municipalities of Gabrovo, Drianovo, Veliko Tarnovo and Maglizh. Tryavna municipality is located on 255.5 square kilometers on the northern slopes of Central Stara Planina. The municipality includes 106 communities, of which two cities - the municipal center of Tryavna and Plachkovtsi and 104 villages with a total population 777 people.

Tryavna is situated in the valley of a small mountain river. The first documentary evidence of the emergence of today's settlement is Ottoman diploma from 1565. Three centuries after the in the area is booming an art school whose best achievements have been preserved until today. These are altar carvings and icons in the churches "St. Arch. Michael" and "St. George"; internal and external decorations on the Daskalovata and Raykov houses;the found symmetry of the Clock Tower and the Old Bridge, which connects them to a unity of beauty and functionality. Today the traditions and further developed are kept by the National School of Applied Arts and artists, whose workshops are an integral part of the color of the old town.

In the 20th century the town developed at an accelerated pace engineering, mining and logging, furniture and fabrics. Today most of them are structurally sectors of the local economy.

The population of the municipality of Tryavna the last count was 11 754 people.

Since the beginning of last century Tryavna is preferred leisure mountain resort. Good weather conditions have caused to be built around the city the followinh: in 1944 prevantorium children's lung diseases, in 1993 - the country's first SOS- Children's Village. In 2002 they established the Natural Park "Balgarka" in order to protect, restore and maintain beech systems and landscapes, flora, fauna and cultural heritage of the region.Tryavna is a convenient starting point for walks, picnics and hikes in all seasons in the nearby mountain. In its surroundings can be visited beautiful places: villages Skortsi and Bojentsi,  peak Bedek /1450 m asl/,rock Vikanataskala and Studen kladenets, the chapels and ecotracks in Peak Buzovets,peak Golyam Krastets and caves Marinova dupka and Zmeeva dupka.

Tryavna is formed as the geographical center of the region in the 18th century. The earliest evidence for the existence of the settlement are from the Thracian tribes who inhabited the Balkan Peninsula. In the late 19th century, Tryavna is the undisputed cultural and economic center of the region. Development of crafts during the Bulgarian Revival in Tryavna leads not only to the economic upturn, but also to the creation of the oldest art school in Bulgaria - Trevnenska. Original and unique carving crafts, iconmaking, building make the significance of the Tryavna art school whose works are distributed throughout the Ottoman Empire, Romania, Serbia and Russia.

After the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878 the municipality started industrial production of woolen textiles, the first factory was opened early in 1883. The first half of the 20th century were created a number of industrial enterprises in key industries that are associated with the processing of timber, furniture, textiles, fruit processing, metal products, production of electricity. In the second half of the 20th century was a significant development in volume and quality of industrial facilities in the field of mechanical engineering, textile and knitwear industry, heat, furniture and woodworking.

The development of tourist services in Tryavna Municipality began in the early 20s in Tryavna and Plachkovtsi. Currently the municipality has built recreation facilities with over 1250 beds. The development of tourism as a sector of the economy of the municipality contributes to the favorable temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters.

The tower was built with the help of the local population and by local craftsmen, the names of which are unknown. The total height of the tower is 21.15 m. It consists of three parts: parallelepiped base square, built of stones, alignment with props. The middle part is osmosten and ends with a small awning covered with sheet metal. This part has repeatedly changed its kind and was originally plastered outside and whitewashed. In 1891 Ivan Halatchev of village of Bahretsi covered it with planking, which is preserved with natural dark wood color to 1908. Then it was painted with brown paint, in 1926 repainted with green paint. This color was proved extremely unfortunate for the tower, but in 1966, when was overhauled the tower had its old looks from 1814.

In the middle part of the tower was installed the clock mechanism that was originally only bell without controllers. In 1815 this was added by masters of Gabrovo.

The upper part of the tower is also octahedral made ​​of wood, covered with pointing roof. This is where the bell of the clock is, which is reserved for the sign making mechanism in 1815.

In 1971 on the occasion of the anniversary of the Tryavna community center, the clock mechanism is assembled and every night after ten hits spreads the sound of the song "Together" from the title poem of Pentcho Slavejkov.

Here, since ancient times people lived in harmony with the surrounding mountains. In turbulent times gone by it supplied them protection from enemies, with their high peaks and secluded valleys. Lush grass and ancient forests have given the population livelihood. Historical research, supported by archaeological materials bring us back to the Thracians. Mounds and the remains of dwellings, mark the position of Thracian settlements. Here in one of the passes crossed the Roman road from Diskoduratera (today Gostilitsa) to Augusta Traiana (modern Stara Zagora) known among locals as Vereiski road.

On the night of 25 July 26 against 811 in Tryavna, Varbishki and Rishki passages of Stara Planina Khan Krum caused devastating defeat of the Byzantines and killed Byzantine emperor Nicephorus.

In the second half of the 12th century the name "Turnava" occurs in this area. Legends say that here and in the surrounding villages Velentsi (from "vella"- command)Popovtsi and Carevi livadi settled people running out of Tarnovo representatives of clergy and nobles.

After 200 years, in the late 14th century, again dramatic events occur and the Ottoman invasion reaches the lands around the capital city. In 1393 Tarnovo fell under Ottoman rule. A legend recorded by the local teacher Hristo Daskalov says that many nobles sought refuge in the mountains, many villages in the area connected their occurrence and their names upon those turning points in the history of the Bulgarian people.

The oldest official information about Tryavna are from the time of Ottoman rule - XV-XVI century. In the area of ​​the present town settled down for life population of the high surrounding villages from XIII-XIV centuries serving these roads through the mountains and ensuring the security of the passes. Tryavna is structured as derventdzhiysko type of village and people were carrying paramilitary functions. This state is regulated by a special decree of the Sultan April 8, 1565, which for the first time mentions the name of Tryavna. The order stated that the mountain there is a place called Trnava, where appropriate was to establish a village whose inhabitants were against the obligation to protect and guard the entrance of robbers, to be exempted from public burdens and customary charges. This provides Tryavna tax privileges and complete freedom.

During the XVI and XVII century Tryavna was rapidly growing. The city settled immigrants from Odrin, Teteven and others. The lack of fertile land drove people to search for other livelihood opportunities, such as trading. Gradually work and entrepreneurship residents of Tryavna developed and what become their main livelihood was crafts icon painting, wood carving, coal, braiding, construction and others. Moreover, by the end of the 17th century, and even later Tryavna was dealing with sericulture and rose oil. Products of local artisans reach the distant markets of the Ottoman Empire, and even beyond its borders - Austria, Rumania and Russia. Economic prosperity, abundance of stone and wood and proximity to the models of the Tarnovo medieval art causes mid 17th century, the town was born the oldest of Renaissance Art School - Tryavna, which includes three main areas of artistic activity: iconography carving and construction. Founder of Tryavna art school is Vitan Karchov who works in the first half of the 17th century. The unique appearance of Tryavna is due to its unique architecture, generations of master builders who have built churches, bridges, schools have created the original and beautiful houses. Renaissance street ensembles "Slaveykov" and "Asenevtsi" in Kachaunskata neighborhood, have preserved its authenticity and romance. One of the most impressive and representative Tryavna houses is Daskalovata. Built between 1804-1808, it is a home of a family Daskalovi typical example of early renaissance residential architecture combining utilitarianism and exterior originality. The house has a traditional and rich internal framework. The most impressive elements of the interior are carved ceilings in both guest rooms, Sunburst - masterpieces of Bulgarian wood carving of the Renaissance. In the field of iconography employs six Tryavna families who over a period of two centuries, creating masterpieces of icons art - embellish renaissance type icons, combining the tradition of medieval iconography and dogma, and Innovation of Modern Times - realism, spirituality, rich colors, nature. Tryavna icon- adorned name of Tryavna with glory and splendor, working in the most remote corners of the Bulgarian land, paving thus the suggestion of his art to the heart of the common man. Tryavna masters cover homes and churches with exquisite carvings, which mitigate the strict and uniform proportions of private and public buildings, thus bringing more warmth and splendor of the interior. Master builders, carvers, painters reach extremely mastery and virtuosity in their work and have established themselves as very popular and appreciated during the entire Renaissance. All over the entire Bulgarian land they shape up and leave for generations’ material and spiritual values ​​- churches, monasteries, icons, houses, schools, bridges, fountains, towers and mostly unique beauty. In the 18th and 19th century Tryavna became one of the leading cultural centers in Bulgaria, center, in which the legacy of the late Middle Ages was transformed in a manner consistent with the new social and economic realities. Over time they started calling Tryavna "altun", ie gold.

Among the masterpieces of architecture in Tryavna heritage houses are the ones built by Dimitar Sergyuv: Kalinchev House (1830), Dobrev house (1834), Sergev house (1841), Raykov house(1846), Kirev`s house (1851) are among the architectural creations of the famous Tryavna builder. The most typical and beautiful examples of house are Kalintshev and Raykov (cultural monument of national importance). The houses have similar spatial design - two floors with a prominent facade facing the street; shop on the side of the street; bay bid on the second, the first floor above (which breaks the facade and mitigates the severity of the house), large veranda on the second floor, open to a large courtyard.

In the years of foreign domination Tryavna not only manifests its talented craftsmen, but also represents their birthplace and home, that even today is admired and creates a reason for national pride from the architectural complex in the city center, including several important monuments of building art, testifying to the enterprising spirit from Tryavna, its quest for beauty and self-expression.

In the center of Tryavna is now the only preserved Renaissance Square in Bulgaria with its adjacent buildings around. This is a unique urban decision, allowing the gathering of many people on different occasions. Almost all buildings, closing the open space have remarkable architectural value. Built at different times by different masters of the Renaissance architect 's talent is undeniable.

The most representative building of the Clock Tower Square is Tryavna school. The school is one of the first secular schools in Bulgaria. The bright and enterprising Tryavnans were opened to the progressive ideas of the Renaissance and the efforts of the whole community Tryavna built a building, which was one of the first secular schools in Bulgaria, where they taught pedagogies in most modern era. Built in the period 1836-1839, the building is elongated, with a rectangular plan, with rooms on all sides, closing small patio. The plan of the building resembles monastic complexes at that time. Eight years with some interruptions it was the work place of a teacher- great Bulgarian poet, writer, and publicist, social and political activist- Slaveykov. The house in which his family lived in is now a museum. Here was born his son Pentcho Slavejkov - one of the most prominent Bulgarian poets and cultural activists.

Harmoniously with the surrounding architectural environment and appearance of Tryavna is arched the stone bridge built by Dimitar Sergyuv in 1844-1845, along with the clock tower it has become one of the symbols of the city. He brings an additional charge for the unique atmosphere of Tryavna.

The legend has it that in order to obtain permission from the Ottoman authorities for the construction of the tower ladies had to refuse to wear traditional head jewery resembling beautiful royal tiaras. The clockwork is made and placed in 1815 in Gabrovo by masters Kanyu and Genyu Radoslavovs.

Remarkable as compositions are the two churches of the city. In Tryavna Pass in 1185 Bulgarian Kings Assen and Peter defeated the troops of Emperor Isaac II Angelos (Uprising of Asen and Peter) who decided to strike again and Bulgaria undertook a major campaign, miserably graduate after unsuccessful siege of Tarnovo shortly before this debacle. In honor of the massive win was built the oldest church in Tryavna - "St. Archangel Michael" The church is an integral element of the composition of the ancient square with clock tower. The date of its construction is not known. In 1798 the church was burned by ottoman fighters and again resumed from Tryavna locals in 1819. Icons and iconostasis of the church are made by representatives of Vitanovski family, in the period 1820-1821, the other urban church "St. George". The church is located in the "Dolnata" neighborhood of the city. It was built between 1848-1852, by the first master Dimitar Sergyuv. The iconostasis of the church was made ​​by Dimitar Doykovcheto - one of the most talented artists from Tryavna carvers. Representatives of the family Vitanovski displayed icons and frescoes, the work of painters from Zaharievskata family and the family of father Dimitar Kanchov.

Skills of Tryavna construction can convince any visitor to the city, to walk through the picturesque streets or visiting nearby picturesque villages Bozhentsite (Bojentsi), Skorcite, Velentsi, Kumanite, Voinitsite, Popovtsi (Chernovruh), Genchovtsi, Enchovtsi, Bozhkovtsi, Bizhevtsi, Radantsi, Plachkovtsi. Characteristic for the Mountaineers humor makes the area around Gabrovo and Tryavna center of the zevzeshki local names in Bulgaria. Nearby are peaks Golyam Bedek and Malak Bedek, chapels and eco-trails of Mount Buzovets, peak Golyam Krastets, there also is an eco trail to Bozhentsite, caves Zmeyuva dupka (Dragon hole) to the town of Tryavna and Marina dupka at the village Genchovtsi, the National Park of "Balgarka" with the area Vikanata skala and Studen kladenets, there is a hut "Balgarka". The geographic center of Bulgaria - Uzana in Central Stara Planina is not very far away.

Its freedom Tryavna gets at around St. Peter's day in 1877. The former craft workshops developed in small businesses for furniture and textiles. In the second half of the XX century, grow modern enterprises for the production of woolen textiles, knitwear, furniture, machinery and military products. But Tryavna people had good use of their natural resources and beautiful region from the beginning of XX century. Tryavna developed tourism and recreation activities. First tourists in 1896 were greeted with mild disbelief, but rather the spirit of modernity and innate entrepreneurial prevail. In 1910 was established a company for cultural and economic raising of Tryavna, which together with the management of the city, made great efforts for development of the settlement and establishment of facilities for tourists coming here because of the beautiful scenery and healthy mountain air. In 1927 issued a book on the resort Tryavna and postcards, distributed was a film about nature and landmarks. So in 1937 Tryavna becomes a recreation center by Order of the General Directorate of Public Health.

In 1963 Tryavna was officially declared as a resort. Today's management of the city with all his endeavors has mission to maintain and develop the traditions, which says a lot about the recent years of improvements in the central and historical part of the city. Houses in the architectural reserve retained its authentic appearance with wood-carving workshops and stores, and slate roofs. It is especially colorful with the stork nests on the chimneys, the building of the Museum of Asian and African Art (a former public bathhouse, renovated and refurbished with part of the target donation). One can relax in the garden in front of the museum and admire the fountain. If you walk towards the river and look of the bridge you will be able to see the amazing view - many fish swimming under the bridge in the center of town. The purpose of Tryavna is to connect in a harmonious and balanced whole tradition and modernity, thus the city to succeed and find their place in the future globalized model of the world.

Today, this small tourist town falls within the region of Gabrovo. In recent years Tryavna has fundamentally changed. The city center is completely renovated and landscaped, painted facades, hanging flowers of balconies and between the administrative buildings peek green shaven lawns and fountains rival those that can be seen in famous European capitals. This is modern Tryavna - a city that does not forget its glorious past, keeps its rich and unique cultural heritage and looks fearlessly towards European and global future of our country - Bulgaria.