Etura - Gabrovo

There is an unique in south-eastern Europe open-air museum and it is in Bulgaria - the architectural ethnographic complex of Etara is situated at the distance of 8 km south of the centre of Gabrovo and past the Sivek River (with a distance of 3 km from the road to Shipka). It is the most appealing place of interest in Gabrovo and one of the most visited place all over Bulgaria. It covers an area of more than 60 decares. In the complex lives the authentic life of a typical craftsmanship settlement and buildings from the period of Bulgarian Revival. The way Bulgarian people lived 150 years ago can be observed and felt here.

Anyone can hear the rattle of wheels of carts and mills moved by water, the whizzing sound coming from the mills for woolen cloths and for flour. Metal ornaments, pottery articles, copper utensils, hot buns and many other things coming out from the skilful hands of the masters among craftsmen there. The little cobblestone streets, and what is called stone cheshmi (drinking-fountains), the gas lanterns, Sakov's house, the house with a tavern in it, the clock tower and a lot of other authentic details make the atmosphere authentic and cozy.

The delicious smell of newly-baked bread disperses all over the area from an old bakery and there is a small coffee shop which offers sweet Turkish coffee prepared in a copper pot. And above all this - lovely old houses, flowers on the window sills, small shops with wooden shutters and gas lanterns on the street corners. It’s a most fascinating experience no one should miss.