The first cellar school of the Bulgarian 'Apostle of Freedom' and revolutionary Vasil Levski
You should book a visit in advance by calling the Regional History Museum at tel.: +359 42 919 214
Tuesday-Saturday
9:30-18:00
Lunch break: 12:30-13:00
Closed on Monday and Sunday
1, Pop Bogomil Str.
(the courtyard of the Saint Dimitar Church)
Adults − 3 BGN
Children and students − 1 BGN
Groups of 10 or more − 2 BGN
Visitors with disabilities − no fee
Special combined passes for adults and children:
Adults − 1 BGN
Children (age 8 and over) − 1 BGN
Children (age 7 and under) − no fee
Bulgarian education had its beginning during the Turkish yoke when the so-called 'cellar' schools started to develop. They were housed in churches or monasteries, and they occupied small rooms resembling cells. The educated monks taught their novices to read and write, and to discover the wonders of education.
The Hilendar Convent is a wonderful example of a cellar school and it is the first of its kind in the region of Stara Zagora. It was created in the second half of 18th century, and it has been burned down and rebuilt throughout the years.
The peculiar thing about this holy place is its connection to the most venerated person in Bulgarian history. Vasil Levski, the Bulgarian 'Apostle of Freedom,' started his education in this school and spent three years there. During his stay he participated in a course for priests.
The documentary photographic exhibition 'Levski in the region of Stara Zagora' deserves special attention. It traces the milestones in the revolutionary's life and it helps the visitors to experience the place where he says he felt for the first time the urge for justice and freedom.