Bolyar House (Byzantine House)
Болярската къща
One of the oldest surviving domestic ruins in Bulgaria, traditionally said to be the palace of despot Slav. From the hilltop you can look down over the town.
The Bolyar House, also known as the Byzantine House, is the ruin of a large stone mansion built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is considered one of the oldest civil buildings in the Balkans. Tradition holds that it was the palace of the despot Slav, and it was remodelled several times afterwards. Today only thick stone walls and the structure of an underground cellar remain, but its elevated position offers a view over old Melnik and the sandstone cliffs. From the town centre, it is about 10 minutes uphill to the northeast along a stone-paved path. Entry is free, and it can be combined with the ruins of St. Anthony's Church nearby.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Melnik Wine Museum
- Melnik
- Kordopulov House
- Melnik Earth Pyramids
- Pasha's House (Melnik History Museum)
- Melnik Fortress (Despot Slav's Fortress)
- Rozhen Monastery
- Rupite