House with the Monkey
A historic 1849 Bulgarian Revival house in Veliko Tarnovo, famed for its unique monkey facade and souvenir shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potentially fewer crowds
House with the Monkey
Best Time
Potentially fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1849 Bulgarian Revival house in Veliko Tarnovo, famed for its unique monkey facade and souvenir shop.
"Admire the imaginative facade and the distinctive monkey figurine of this architectural gem."
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Many visitors report finding it closed. Try to confirm hours with the Union of Bulgarian Scientists beforehand.
🐒 Look for the Monkey
The distinctive monkey figurine is on the ground floor facade. It's the main visual cue!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monkey Facade
Ground floor facade
A unique figurine of a monkey adorns the facade, a distinctive feature of this historic Revival-era house.
Revival Architecture
Exterior
Admire the imaginative and varied facade, with jutting upper floors characteristic of Bulgarian Revival style.
Souvenir Shop Finds
Interior
Discover original handicrafts, artworks by local artists, and unique 'Monkeyhouse' t-shirts.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Expect Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Many visitors report finding it closed. Try to confirm hours with the Union of Bulgarian Scientists beforehand.
🐒 Look for the Monkey
The distinctive monkey figurine is on the ground floor facade. It's the main visual cue!
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The house hosts a souvenir shop with local handicrafts and unique t-shirts.
🚶♀️ Navigate Steep Streets
The house is on a narrow, steep terrain. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Many visitors report finding it closed. Try to confirm hours with the Union of Bulgarian Scientists beforehand.
🐒 Look for the Monkey
The distinctive monkey figurine is on the ground floor facade. It's the main visual cue!
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The house hosts a souvenir shop with local handicrafts and unique t-shirts.
🚶♀️ Navigate Steep Streets
The house is on a narrow, steep terrain. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the unique architecture and the distinctive monkey figurine on the facade of this historic Kolyu Ficheto building. The souvenir shop offers local handicrafts. However, many find the house closed unexpectedly, leading to disappointment, and note a lack of clear information regarding opening hours.
"The Monkeyhouse
In Veliko Tarnovo was built in 1849 and is one of the works of the Bulgarian Revival architect master Kolyu Ficheto. This historic building is the pride of Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo. The monkey house now houses an original souvenir shop with handicrafts and artworks by local artists. Such as steampunk furniture designed by Paul Varnam & unique Monkeyhouse t-shirts
Visit this souvenir shop"
jan
"I couldn't find any info about visiting the inside which is a museum now, no contact either and when we got there it was closed, Sunday noon time"
Ruxandra Cernat
"Nothing to be seen here. The street sign that shows the way is not clear enough. But the house is 20 m away.
When we got there it was closed. Only one "monkey" visible on the entrance wall and thank God for the Internet, because this is how we find out what's the story of this "rouristic attraction"."
Florin Ghioca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House with the Monkey is located in Veliko Tarnovo. It's situated on a narrow, steep terrain. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's best accessed by walking through the historic city center. Be prepared for inclines.
Some visitors mention that the street sign can be unclear, but the house is typically only about 20 meters away once you're in the vicinity. Keep an eye out for the distinctive facade.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for the exterior viewing. The house itself is not a museum you can enter freely; it serves as a base for the Union of Bulgarian Scientists and houses a souvenir shop.
Opening hours are inconsistent. Many visitors report it being closed, even on Sunday afternoons. It's advisable to try and confirm hours with the Union of Bulgarian Scientists directly before your visit.
You can visit the souvenir shop inside, which features handicrafts and artworks. However, the main interior is not a public museum and functions as a base for the Union of Bulgarian Scientists.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is the monkey figurine on the ground floor facade. Capturing the unique architecture, especially the jutting upper floors, is also recommended.
Photography is generally permitted inside the souvenir shop, but it's always polite to ask if you're unsure or if it seems disruptive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the House with the Monkey itself has a souvenir shop, reviews mention good food and excellent service at nearby establishments. Veliko Tarnovo offers many dining options.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The most striking feature is the figurine of a monkey adorning the facade of the ground floor, giving the house its unique name and adding a touch of whimsy to its historical grandeur. This architectural gem is considered a point of pride for both the city of Veliko Tarnovo and Bulgaria as a whole.
Visiting the House with the Monkey
Many visitors have noted that the house is frequently closed, even during peak times like Sunday noon. There's limited information available online regarding specific visiting hours or contact details for the Union of Bulgarian Scientists. Therefore, it's highly recommended to try and confirm access and opening times in advance if you wish to explore the interior or shop.
Social
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