The house is linked to several generations of notable members of the Mihaylovski family and tells the story of the history, everyday life and spiritual life of Elena during the Revival period.
The house is a cultural monument of national significance and is located at 2 Doyno Gramatik Street. Hilarion of Makariopolis, his brother Nikola Mihaylovski and Nikola's son – the well-known poet and satirist Stoyan Mihaylovski – were born there.
The birthplace of Hilarion of Makariopolis
The house was built around 1710–1715 and is among the oldest surviving buildings in Elena. It is made of stone and wood and is a characteristic example of the rich half-timbered houses of Elena.
The building has two floors, wide eaves, covered balconies and lattice windows. Its layout reflects the traditional way of life of a large Revival-era family. The ground floor held cellars, storerooms, a stable and a living room, while the upper floor held the main living spaces.
Today the architecture of the house is one of the reasons the visit is so interesting – the building itself is part of the exhibition.
Hilarion of Makariopolis and the struggle for church independence
Hilarion of Makariopolis was one of the key figures in the Bulgarian movement for church independence in the 19th century. Born in Elena in 1812, he devoted a considerable part of his life to the struggle for an independent Bulgarian church.
A particularly important moment is Easter 1860, when Hilarion of Makariopolis did not mention the name of the Ecumenical Patriarch during the service in Constantinople. This act became one of the symbols of the Bulgarian church struggle.
In the museum visitors can learn about his life and work and about the atmosphere of Revival-era Elena, which produced a number of educators and public figures.
The home of several generations of national awakeners
The history of the house does not end with Hilarion of Makariopolis. His brother was also born here: Nikola Mihaylovski – a man of letters and educator, and his son Stoyan Mihaylovski became a well-known poet, satirist and author of "Onward, Revived People".
In this way a single home brings together the story of several generations of Bulgarians who left their mark on the church, educational and literary life of the country.
Revival-era daily life in the house
The exhibition is not devoted solely to the figure of Hilarion of Makariopolis. The living floor is arranged as a chorbadzhi house from the Revival era, allowing visitors to see what the home of a well-off Elena family looked like.
Of special interest are the guest room, the two covered balconies and the kiosk. The preserved atmosphere helps visitors understand the daily life of Elena's residents in the 19th century.
The ground floor also hosts exhibitions related to Christian art and the artistic heritage of the region. The museum's holdings include icons from the 17th, 18th and 19th century, some of them linked to the Tryavna icon-painting school.
The Napredak Community Centre
One of the curious facts about the house is that in 1863 the Napredak community centre of Elena was founded in one of its rooms.
This is further evidence of the role of the house and the family in the cultural life of Revival-era Elena. At the time the town was an important centre of crafts, trade and education, and community centres were vital for spreading books, knowledge and new ideas.
Hadzhihristov's Fountain
In the courtyard of the house stands Hadzhihristov's Fountain – another interesting historical element of the complex.
The fountain was built in 1754. by Kara Yoan of Arbanasi, and over the following decades it was renovated by members of the family. In its present form it was repaired in 1873 by Hadzhi Hristo, brother of Hilarion of Makariopolis. Nearby there is also a memorial bust of Makariopolis.
What else to visit in Elena?
A visit to the Hilarion of Makariopolis House Museum can be part of a full walk around the old town. In Elena and the area you can include:
- The Daskalolivnitsata architectural and historical complex – linked to the development of education in the town.
- The Church of St Nicholas – one of the valuable old churches in Elena.
- The Church of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God – one of the notable Revival-era churches in the town.
- Kambur's Inn – it hosts an ethnographic exhibition on the daily life and culture of the Elena region.
- The Five Rasukanov Houses – an architectural ensemble of national significance.
- The Clock Tower – one of the symbols of Elena.
- The natural attractions of the Elena Balkan – suitable for walks and for combining with cultural tourism.
For tourists arriving by air in the capital, a transfer from Sofia Airport to the Hilarion of Makariopolis House Museum is a convenient option for travelling directly to Elena.
Instead of combining air travel with buses or trains, you can travel directly from Sofia Airport to Elena, with the museum, your hotel or another address in the city as the final destination.
The transfer suits individual tourists and families as well as groups planning a larger tour of the Revival-era towns and sights of Central Bulgaria.
A comfortable journey to Elena with Tsenov Group
With Tsenov Group you can arrange a direct transfer from Sofia Airport to Elena and back. If needed, the route can be tailored to your schedule and include a visit to several historical sites in the town and the region.
If you are planning a cultural tour, you can combine a transfer from Sofia Airport to the Hilarion of Makariopolis House Museum with a visit to the Daskalolivnitsata, the old Revival-era houses and other sights of Elena.
For information and bookings:
0888 867 779 / 0887 606 185
