The History of the Hotel
A past we remember.
A present we share with you.
A future we build with inspiration.
On 23 August 1981, at Buzludzha peak, the head of state of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Todor Zhivkov, opened the largest ideological monument in the Balkans. The “Buzludzha” Memorial House was built to mark the 90th anniversary of the secret congress held on the summit, at which the Communist Party was founded. The architectural design was created by Academician Architect Georgi Stoilov. Some of Bulgaria’s greatest artists and sculptors took part in the design and creation of the mosaics of this ultra-modern monument for its time.
At the foot of this monumental symbol of Bulgarian culture and ideology, the Party built a holiday residence for the state leadership and cultural elite. The government residence became a favorite place of Lyudmila Zhivkova, daughter of the head of state. All the prominent writers, painters, poets, musicians, journalists, actors and artists of the time gathered in this house.
The iconic wood carvings in the residence were created by the country’s foremost woodcarving artist, Prof. Anton Donchev. With great attention and care, almost entirely by hand, we restored the carvings and the smoked stained-glass windows, preserving the architectural and artistic value of the interior. The split-level halls, wide mountain-view windows, solid wood, cozy rooms and balconies were restored with meticulous precision and respect for the timeless beauty and elegance of the original design.
In the hall with stained-glass windows, now transformed into an elegant wine cellar, you can experience the bohemian spirit of the Bulgarian cultural elite of the XX century. Here you will find a signature selection of the finest Bulgarian wines created over the past decade.With a glass of aged wine, you can sense the atmosphere of conversations about art, culture and spirituality that captivated Lyudmila Zhivkova and her circle. It is no coincidence that this center for cultural and spiritual gatherings was created here, beneath Buzludzha.The place lies in the heart of the Valley of Roses and Thracian Kings — between Kazanlak and Shipka, surrounded by priceless historical treasures that are still not fully revealed.
We will welcome you to the presidential suite once used by Todor Zhivkov. We furnished it with understated luxury, knowing that the First was modest in his everyday life. In our photo museum hall, we will tell you the story of the “Buzludzha” Memorial House.
