The complex brings together history, Revival-era architecture, church art and everyday objects of the people of Elena in one place.
For tourists arriving by plane, a transfer from Sofia Airport to the Daskalolivnitsata in Elena is a convenient way to reach the town directly, without having to change between different types of transport.
History of the Daskalolivnitsata
The first classroom school in Elena was founded in 1843 by Ivan Momchilov, and a special building for the school was constructed in 1844. The idea was to create a place where young people could receive a more modern education for the time and be trained as teachers. Today the building is a cultural monument and the main site that gave its name to the whole complex.
The name "Daskalolivnitsata" is linked to Petko Rachov Slaveykov, who was among the school's pupils. He used the figurative name by analogy with a candle foundry – a place where teachers are "cast". A number of future teachers, educators and public figures were educated at the school and later spread their knowledge in different parts of Bulgaria.
What you will see in the first classroom school
The two-storey building preserves the atmosphere of the Revival-era school. The first floor held the classrooms, the teacher's room and rooms for teaching aids. Today visitors can see an exhibition on the teaching process, including old textbooks, teaching aids and other objects.
The building also hosts the exhibition "Elena in the Revival Era", which traces the development of the town up to the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation. On the ground floor there is an exhibition devoted to 19th-century Christian art, with icons, church utensils and murals.
The building was restored in 1963, preserving its historical appearance. This allows visitors to combine viewing the museum exhibitions with a feel for the authentic Revival-era architecture of Elena.
Kambur's Inn – the daily life of the old people of Elena
The complex also includes Kambur's Inn, a Revival-era building that now hosts an ethnographic exhibition. There you can see traditional men's and women's clothing, everyday objects and items related to the daily life and culture of the people of the Elena region in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Interestingly, the inn originally stood in the village of Yovkovtsi. When the Yovkovtsi reservoir was built, the building was dismantled and moved to Elena, where it is now part of the architectural and historical complex.
The Church of St Nicholas
Right next to the Daskalolivnitsata stands the Church of St Nicholas – the oldest church in Elena and the area. The first records of its existence date from the early 16th century.
In the attack by the Kardzhali bands in 1800 the church was burnt. It was later rebuilt in 1804 with the funds and labour of local residents. According to local tradition, construction took only 40 days and was carried out in secret from the Ottoman authorities.
The church's modest exterior contrasts with its richly decorated interior, in which the iconostasis, murals and ecclesiastical artistic elements stand out.
The "Daskalolivnitsata" as a centre of Bulgarian enlightenment
The significance of the complex is not limited to the history of Elena. The school became one of the important places for training teachers during the Revival. Its pupils included Petko Slaveykov and other figures linked to the Bulgarian educational and public movement.
That is why a visit to the Daskalolivnitsata is interesting not only for people interested in architecture and history but for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of Bulgarian education before the Liberation.
What else to visit in Elena
After visiting the Daskalolivnitsata Architectural and Historical Complex you can spare some time for other interesting places in Elena:
- Hilarion of Makariopolis House Museum – linked to the life and work of one of the prominent Bulgarian clergymen and Revival figures.
- The Clock Tower – one of the recognisable symbols of the town.
- The Five Rasukanov Houses – a characteristic example of the Revival-era residential architecture of Elena.
- The Church of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God – located right next to the Daskalolivnitsata.
- The museum and architectural sites in the central part of Elena – suitable for a walk around the old town.
Transfer from Sofia Airport to the Daskalolivnitsata
The journey from Sofia Airport to the Daskalolivnitsata Architectural and Historical Complex suits tourists, families and groups who want to visit Elena directly after arriving in Bulgaria.
Instead of working around timetables and changes, you can arrange a direct transfer from the airport to Elena. You arrive right in the town and can continue to the Daskalolivnitsata and the other sights in the centre.
A comfortable journey to Elena with Tsenov Group
Tsenov Group offers transport for tourists and groups travelling between Sofia Airport and various tourist sites in Bulgaria. For a visit to Elena, the transfer can be arranged according to the route and the number of travellers.
If you are planning to visit the Daskalolivnitsata as well as other sights in Elena and the region, you can combine several stops in one route.
For information and bookings: 0888 867 779 / 0887 606 185
