| |
ABOUT THE KING’S PALACE
The king’s villa of Boris III, called “The Pаlace” by the local people, was built in 1929. It is located in the northern part of Banya and was designed by the prominent Bulgarian architect Ivan Vasiliov. When king Boris visited Banya for the first time in 1925 he stayed in the villa of his friend – the plant owner V. Bagarov. During his stay in the small town Boris III had the opportunity to enjoy the Karlovo thermal baths and the healing effects of the town’s mineral springs.
The king’s villa is one of the six private properties of the royal family of the Saxe Coburg Gotha and the only private house built by Boris III. The land on which the villa was built was bought from landowners from Banya. The small architectural complex covers an area of 10 decares, 7 of which belong to the park. The villa is built in the Bulgarian Revival architectural style – with a large porch and wooden columns. The complex has two additional smaller buildings – one for the guests and one for the servants. A massive stone wall with two oak doors surrounds the whole villa.
Boris III loved botany and he created a magnificent park in the king’s house. A small river ran through the park and watered the precious plants, nowadays represented by the marsh sequoia, the wild chestnut, the magnolia, etc.
The king’s villa is simply furnished, with no luxury and shine. It now treasures authentic oriental furniture, paintings of famous Bulgarian artists like Constantine Shtarkelov, Boris Denev, Vladimir Naumov and many others.
Today the villa is again property of the royal family and is maintained by the “Rose Valley” Winery. On special occasions the house is open for visitors.
|
