Monkey House

The Monkey House

On the picturesque Gurko Street in Veliko Tarnovo stands one of the town's best-loved curiosities: the "Monkey House" (Kashtata s maimunkata), a Bulgarian Revival building known for the small carved figure on its facade, resembling a monkey, which gave it its popular name. It is a short but charming stop on a walk through the old quarter.

What to see

The house is admired for its typical late-19th-century architecture, with an elegant facade and decorative detail, while the monkey-shaped element above the entrance turns it into an amusing, photogenic landmark. The building is part of the ensemble of period houses that give Gurko Street its special charm, perched above the bend of the Yantra River.

Practical

The Monkey House is seen from the street, an exterior attraction on the pedestrian route through the historic centre. It pairs perfectly with a visit to Sarafkina House, Tsarevets fortress and the other sights of Veliko Tarnovo. The best time is during hours of good light for photographs. Bring comfortable shoes for the sloping cobbles. Rating 4.5.