Tryavna, General information
Tryavna is a town in Central Bulgaria situated on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina), about 250km from Sofia and 40 km from Tarnovo. The earliest traces of human settlement go back to Thracian times. The town became a regional center in the 18th century and gradually developed into an important cultural and industrial center in the 19th century. Economic prosperity came from handicrafts, furniture, textiles. During the National Revival period Tryavna became famous for the local school of woodcarving. Over 40 workshops were making wooden cradles, frames, doors, ceilings, friezes and crosses that decorated homes, churches and monasteries all over Bulgaria. A remarkable iconographic school also developed in the 18th and 19th century. Over 160 fine specimens are preserved in the Museum of Icons located on a hill above the Old Town.
Tryavna boasts many house museums that are fine examples of National Revival Architecture. Among them is the Daskalov House with its beautiful carved ceilings, the Raikov House, the Angel Kanchev House, the Slaveikov House, and the Kalinchev House..
On the main square are situated the major landmarks of the town: the Old School built in 1836, the Clock Tower erected in 1844, the Church of St. Archangel Michael built in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1819, and the Arch Bridge etc.
Tryavna is also well-known for its mild climate and exceptionally clean air. There is a sanatorium for children with respiratory diseases as well as a SOS village.
The combination of history, art and natural beauty make Tryavna a tourist site with a great future.