Bulgaria is a country in Eastern Europe, located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, having a history of 1300 years. It borders Greece, and the Danube River is its border with Romania. The characteristics of the country, its geographical position, terrain and favorable climate create excellent conditions for mountain, ecological and balneological tourism, winter ski resorts and wonderful places for relaxation at the Black sea. The Republic of Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 1 January 2007.
Bozhentsi is a small village, a monument of Bulgarian Revival architecture, nestled in the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains at altitude of 750 m above sea level, and is also part of the cultural monuments of UNESCO. It is situated 15 km to the east of the town of Gabrovo in a beautiful valley with a small river. Bozhentsi is a village with a history of more than 600 years. The few houses are located along the two banks of the Bozhanka River, which springs not far off the village. Here tourists can find quietude and peace moving into a world that has gone long ago. The high stone fences, the forged oak gates, the narrow cobblestone streets, the stone fountains and bridges, the small shops all carry the unique atmosphere of this heavenly nook of Bulgaria.
Villa resort Bozhentsi
Verandas, stone-slate roofs, angular fireplaces and wood-carved ceilings are very typical of Bozhentsi’s houses. In immediate proximity to the one end of the village, there is a preserved Roman road to the town of Gabrovo, and at the opposite end starts the forest pathway to the town of Tryavna. Two museum houses can also be seen there – from the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, with original articles from that period – cutler’s workshop, permanent exhibition of different fabrics for sale, small school, a hall for various exhibitions according to seasons and calendar holidays – sourvaknitsa1, martenitsa2, Easter rites, painting and photograph exhibitions from plain-airs that took place in Bozhentsi.
The village of Bozhentsi is famous as giving shelter to a number of famous Bulgarian writers, artists, architects, and figures in the fields of science and art. Children’s painting plain-airs are held there annually with the participation of children from different towns. The village has several taverns, a cafeteria-candy shop, souvenir shops and Bulgarian Revival houses for relaxation, where warmhearted people will welcome you with Turkish coffee prepared in a heated tray of sand, which is unique for this region. Every morning you can taste Bozhentsi’s homemade vita banitsa3 with thick homemade sheep and buffalo yoghurt. The pleasure is beyond description and that is why you just have to taste it.
Villa resort Bozhentsi
In the outskirts of this unique spot, the villa resort Bozhentsi – a current project of Prime Buildings – with the same attractiveness and charm awaits you. The resort is situated on a southern slope amidst abundant vegetation and beautiful view towards the Balkan Mountains. It has 170 one-room and 37 two-room apartments and 15 maisonettes with a total floor area of 13 000 square meters. For your comfort and relaxation there is a spa-center, gym, outdoor pool, restaurant-tavern, cafeteria-confectionery, wine cellar and shops.
The village offers opportunities for relaxation in more than 40 Bulgarian Revival houses. The distance to the old Bulgarian capital – the town of Veliko Turnovo and the architectural preserve – the village of Arbanasi, is about 50 km. Tryavna – the woodcarvers’ town, and the ethnographic center Etura are about 20 km away. You could make a short trip to the Gabrovo and Dryanovo monasteries, where you could find plenty of healing mineral springs and traditions and rites preserved.
1 Decorated cornel twig used by children to tap people’s backs when wishing them a Happy New Year 2 Twined tasselled red and white thread, symbol of spring and health 3 Filo pastry with cheese
