In February Bulgaria marked the 150th anniversary since the death of its national hero Vasil Levski, who sacrificed himself in the name of the national freedom. July 18, which marks Vasil Levski's birth anniversary, is yet another occasion to reflect on whether we know enough about the Apostle of Freedom. Vasil Levski died at the age of 35, but during his short life, he left his mark in literally every corner of Bulgaria. Down to the present day, the places where he stayed and met with his followers are kept as sacred.
In the footsteps of the Apostle - five tourist spots linked to his life and work
Vasil Levski, the man - what was he like?
Most of these places are beautiful houses from the Revival period where Levski, who was wanted and persecuted by the Ottoman Empire, found refuge. In most of these houses, which were converted into monuments of culture, there is a secret passage and a hiding place that are evidence of the dramatic events that took place before the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Rule. There is a place in Benkovski residential district in Sofia which also gave shelter to the Apostle of Freedom. There, he founded a local revolutionary committee.
Recently, the Sofia Municipal Council allocated nearly 200,000 BGN (EUR 100,000) for its repair and restoration. The works started in time, but the restoration of the building dating back to the 18th century proved to be a difficult task, because the building materials used at that time are not available now. The renovators had to find well-preserved roof tiles and special clay which was once used for floor plastering. Thanks to the personal donations of the local residents, the house has already regained its original look. Now, on the day of the 186th birth anniversary of Vasil Levski, it opens its doors to all who want to immerse themselves into the history of the Apostle of Freedom and his work.
“Hopefully, the house will become part of the Museum of Sofia and will be included in the list of tourist attractions of the capital city – the Mayor of Serdika region Todor Krastev said in an interview for Radio Bulgaria. – The house is valuable for the fact that the only revolutionary committee founded by Levski in Sofia was located here. We want to reach as many people as possible. Hopefully, students from different schools in Sofia will visit the house when the new school year begins. The House-Museum of Vasil Levski in "Benkovski" residential district has a very nice yard with an ancient fountain and a renovated solid fence. Here, students will be able to take a valuable historic walk. We will organize quizzes and will aim at making this place popular and attractive, especially for the youngest ones. Welcome!”
Published and transplated by Kostadin Atanasov
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