Country Palace of the Bulgarian Princess

This country cottage among centuries-old pines was built a hundred years ago for the Bulgarian king of Austria by the blood of Prince Ferdinand. Therefore, her style is slightly mixed - there are spiers, turrets and tin roofs that are not peculiar to Bulgarian architecture.

The construction of this palace began in 1898, as a hunting "house" with several rooms and an office. Later, two more wings were completed with a large living room, dining room and second floor with bedrooms, boudoirs and another study. Thus, by 1914, the complex took shape as a palace.
It is located in the famous and oldest Bulgarian ski resort Borovets, which at that time was called Chamkoria. Both of these words mean essentially the same thing - pine forest.

The palace is named after the forest river Bistrica Musalenskaya, at which it stands. At the beginning of the last century, the Tsarska Bistrica served as a hunting residence, in Bulgarian “fishing hut”, for the kings Ferdinand I and Boris III.

The building itself is an original interpretation of Renaissance architecture with the influence of European styles.

This year, unfortunately, they are not allowed inside the palace, and before that, there were small excursions for half an hour. Inside you can see electric stoves - 50 pieces and all the different ones that have been working since 1912, unique carpets, a huge number of hunting trophies and just a modest royal life) The most beautiful room in the palace is the ship cabin room.
Unlike the Sofia palace of Vran, Tsarska Bistrita looks very well-groomed and residential. By the way, they are not allowed into it, probably because it is too inhabited.

In addition to the palace itself, you can visit an art gallery, a church, a cafe and a unique electric generator, which turned 100 years old this summer.

EEC Tsarska Bistrica has a certificate of durability. This miniature state district power station (in our opinion) still provides electricity to the entire palace, and earlier half of the Chamkoria resort - now Borovets.

The equipment for this hydroelectric power station was produced in 1912 by SIEMENS-SCHUCKERT-WERKE. Installation and commissioning were carried out in 1914, and since then it has been working without fail. The Pelton turbine has two generators, the maximum power of which is 0.13 MW / 130 kw / h /, the water pressure is 19 bar, and the required amount is 65-70 l / s.

In 1945, the Bistrita Palace was nationalized and until 1989 was used as a holiday home. Then he was returned to the son of Tsar Boris III Simeon of Sakskoburggotsky.

The palace receives visitors on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to five in the evening. Entrance costs BGN 3 (1.5 euros) for adults and BGN 2 (1 fevro) per child. Parking near the entrance is free, but guarded.

All these autumn photos were taken by me personally.

Thank you for your time and attention.

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With love from Bulgaria @varya-davydova