BVA

Papardova kăšta in the Rajkovo quarter

Smolyan, Bulgaria

Smolyan is a town that has grown to include three villages along the Cherna River in southern Bulgaria close to Greece. Originally founded in the 1st millenium BCE, its name was derived from the Slavic tribes that settled in the area in the 7th century CE. These traditional dwellings in the Lower Rajkovo district were developed during the 18th and 19th centuries when it was part of the Ottoman Empire. The Papardova House is a "brother" house typical of the region, two dwellings joined and mirrored, and constructed of stone basements and side walls with frame and infill for upper floors. (photo 2000)