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 – Varusha South, 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 away from the river, in the oldest part of the city named
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
develop an institution for 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 entirely 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.
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