3.1 HISTORY
Located in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the old capital of Bulgaria, Iatrus Residency Program is an ideal opportunity to experience both historical and contemporary attitudes and developments.
Often referred as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River (from where the name of the residency comes) and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture.
The old part of the town, where the Iatrus Residency Program also takes place, is situated
on three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora, rising from among the meandering
turns of the Yantra, the largest river in Northern Bulgaria.
On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and also a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls.
A symbol of the city of Veliko Turnovo and one of the most visited monuments in Bulgaria is undoubtedly the fortress of “Tsarevets”. It is located on the same hill that bears its name and just a few steps from Iatrus Residency Program.
3.2 VARUSHA SOUTH
In the old town (Varusha South quarter) you will have the opportunity to explore unique cultural memories and many beautiful places that have kept the history of the city for centuries. Numerous churches, museums, cultural monuments, ancient fountains and houses of worship where some of the city’s most respected artists have given life to their work.
Varusha South is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Veliko Tarnovo. With its pleasant atmosphere, it attracts young entrepreneurs and artists who bring a new modern air to the city. A new wave of renovations of historical buildings and the abundance of high quality goods and services revitalized this part of the city into a favourite place for relaxation and entertainment among both tourists and Veliko Tarnovians.
3.3 THE IATRUS HOUSE
Iatrus is the ancient Roman name of the river Yantra, which meanders through the city of
Veliko Tarnovo. The house where the residency program takes place is located about 100
meters from the river, in the oldest part of the city called Varusha South.
We thought
we could not overlook this fact, since the river is a source of life, and we see the residency in
exactly the same way. The name comes with the ambition to establish a new center of
creative visions from different disciplines, where artistic thoughts and exchanges meet new
ways of expression and fulfillment. Where, in one way or another, you leave your mark on
the life of Veliko Tarnovo.
The house of the Iatrus Residency Program is more than 170 years old and has been
completely renovated inside and adjusted to the needs of the residents. Originally it
belonged to the Bai, when the Ottoman Empire was ruling these territories (until 1878). It has
been among the most precious buildings around the area. Today, in its contemporary state,
the house is fully equipped and furnished with everything you could need on a daily basis.