The museum complex in the village of Belchin, known as “Tsari Mali grad” was also included in the list of the 100 NTOs of Bulgaria. It is a branch of the Historical Museum in Samokov and will appear under 79 in the book of the 100 NTOs – as a sub-object to it The museum complex was officially opened in 2009 and includes:
the medieval church “St. Petka”, the museum building below it and the fortress located on the hill above them.
The medieval church has been fully restored and has been declared an Archaeological and Architectural Monument of National Importance. Active worship takes place in it, and at the same time a permanent exhibition of icons is located. The church is inscribed, and a unique iconostasis is preserved in it.
The museum building is a newly built replica of an old Renaissance house in Belchin from the 19th century. On the first floor there is an archaeological exhibition of finds from the “Tsari Mali Grad” fortress and a collection of manuscripts and original old printed literature. Unique specimens are displayed, one of which is a trebnik of Bojidar Vucković from the 16th century. On the second floor, there is an ethnographic collection of costumes, a rich collection of dishes, original fabrics and quilts, children’s swings and a working loom on which you can weave. The ancient fortress “Tsari Mali Grad” with a church ensemble and minert, has been studied since 2007. It has been declared a cultural monument of national importance. Outside the fortress is the cult complex. There was the memorial and the stone cross for “St. Spas” or Ascension of the Lord, venerated until the 1950s, a medieval church from the 15th century and the remains of two early Christian temples, and below them the ruins of a pagan sanctuary. One of the unique things about the site is almost 1700 Christian cult in one place.
Work time:
Winter working hours of the complex (01.11. – 01.04)
Monday – Tuesday – day off Wednesday – Friday from 09:00 to 16:30.
Saturday – Sunday from 09:00 to 17:30
Note: Last visitors are allowed from Wednesday to Friday until 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday – until 5:00 p.m.
Summer working hours of the complex (05.04 – 31.10)
Monday – Tuesday – days off.
Wednesday – Friday from 09:00 to 17:30.
Saturday – Sunday from 09:00 to 18:30
Note: Last visitors are allowed from Wednesday to Friday until 17:00, Saturday and Sunday – until 18:00.
Entrance fees:
Adults – BGN 10 (fortress + ethnographic museum). Students and pensioners – BGN 7 (fortress + ethnographic museum). Children up to 6 years of age and people with TELK presented on site – FREE Working hours of rail lift (funicular ).For questions related to the funicular 0876 075046 Monday – Tuesday – holidays Ticket price for using the funicular: ADULTS – 5 levaStudents and pensioners – 3 leva Children under 6 years old – FREE. TICKET PURCHASED FOR THE FUNCULAR VEHICLE IS NOT VALID FOR ENTRANCE. The above prices are to use the Funicular to get up to the site. With the same ticket, without the need for additional payment, the visitor can go down in the opposite direction, which is a bonus, in good weather and technical conditions. The rail facility works from Wednesday to Sunday, as between 13 :00-14:00 h. stops for daily prevention.!
Contacts:
Website
Tel: + 359 886 614 814
Address: Belchin village, Samokov Municipality
