The fountain of Hadji Krustyu Aprilov

The fountain of Hadji Krustyu Aprilov

In every city’s history, there is always more than one local landmark associated with local stories or legends. These stories tell about personalities, landmarks, and memories of long-gone times.

And here in Gabrovo there is a special landmark that you must definitely visit if you come to the city. The fountain, built in 1762 by Hadji Krastyu Aprilov, a relative of the great Vasil Aprilov, the founder of Bulgarian education. They say that it is the oldest architectural monument in the city and is a unique testimony to the craftsmanship and culture of its time.

This corner fountain was built in a wonderful place, namely in the middle of the so-called “Sixth District”. The quarter in which in the past the most turbulent guild and artisan life was boiling, and in the evening the local pubs were filled with cheerful noise and bustle. According to history, the master decided that it was here that running water was most needed and rolled up his sleeves. They also say that he built the fountain with one spout to the east for shy girls who came early in the morning for water and two to the north, for those who would come later for a chat and a joke. In the period after the Liberation, it was built into the wall of the courtyard of a local house for a while. At first glance, it looks quite ordinary, made of ordinary stone and sandstone slabs, but its true wealth lies in the decorative elements. In the past, it had many elements: pigeons, rosettes, crosses, and a two-headed bird, only a part of which has been preserved to this day. The master did not accidentally place the two-headed bird because it symbolizes national pride. Equally interesting are the copper-forged spouts with handles on top, which are a true masterpiece of blacksmithing. They say that by grabbing onto them, it was easier to lift the heavy pitchers full of water.

Although time has erased some of these ornaments, the fountain of Hadji Krastyu Aprilov remains an impressive testament to the past. Visit it and immerse yourself in the history of Gabrovo, where every pebble tells its own story.