Standing proudly on the Revival-era cobblestone square in Tryavna, The Old School (Staroto Shkolo or Tryavnensko Shkolo) is one of Bulgaria's earliest secular mutual schools. Constructed between 1836 and 1839—around the same time as the famous Aprilov Gymnasium in Gabrovo—this architectural masterpiece stands as an enduring emblem of the Bulgarian National Revival.
Today, the restored school serves as an integral part of the Specialized Museum of Woodcarving and Icon-Painting, hosting diverse cultural collections.
The most celebrated chapter in the school's history is tied to the eminent Bulgarian writer, educator, and political reformer Petko Rachev Slaveykov:
Carefully restored to its 19th-century splendor, The Old School houses several fascinating permanent displays:
Gabrovo region
0.1 km away
Gabrovo region
0.2 km away
Gabrovo region
0.3 km away
Shkoloto - School Museum is located in Gabrovo, Bulgaria.
Shkoloto - School Museum is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Shkoloto - School Museum can be visited year-round. Verify current opening hours directly with the museum before your visit, as schedules change seasonally and on public holidays.
Opening hours and admission fees vary, and most Bulgarian museums close one day per week (commonly Monday). Verify current schedules and prices directly with the museum or the local tourist information office before visiting Shkoloto - School Museum, especially on public holidays.
