Description
Zheravna is located in a small valley at 580 m above sea level at the southern foot of the eastern Balkans.
It is an architectural national heritage, consisting of more than 300 authentic wooden houses from the period of the Bulgarian National Revival and as such a source of inspiration for many artists and writers.
Time has stopped here, you don't see people rushing here.
Life slowly passes by here, with the typical quietness of the mountain villages.
Le village a vu le jour entre le XIIe et le XIVe siècle et, au XVIIIe siècle, il est devenu un centre culturel et artisanal. À mesure que les habitants s'enrichissaient, l'aspect architectural du village était formé de maisons en bois à un ou deux étages, enautotourées de murs de pierre et de ruelles pavées.
Le village est également célèbre pour sa participation à la résistance contre la domination ottomane.
The air is filled with village scents and sounds. Many of the houses are now museums and guest houses. The ground floors of other houses function as shops, restaurants and cafes.
It is best to leave your car in the central square and wander around the narrow and winding streets.
Popular sights include the museum house from the beginning of the 18th century; the St. Nicholas Church with antique icons; the museum house of the famous writer Yordan Yovkov born in 1880; and many art galleries and small museums.
If you are lucky you can visit one of the most spectacular and unique festivals in Eastern Europe: The "Festival of Folklore" is a 3-day escape from modern life. People wear old folkloric costumes or uniforms, sleep under the stars and cook on an open fire. Craftsmen, musicians and warriors show their skills with traditional tools and instruments. You can participate in works and thousands of visitors proudly dance their traditional dances together; you are more than welcome to join them.