The village of Arbanassi is located close to the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo. The village was established in the 14th century. In the mid-16th century it became property of Rustem Pasa. It was during this time that the inhabitants of Arbanassi got rich. This was how trade and many crafts, such as the goldsmith’s craft, the coppersmith’s, blacksmithing, and the production of raw silk by raising silkworms developed in the following centuries. There are five churches and two monasteries built in the late 16th and the early 17th century in Arbanassi.
The traditional Arbanassi house is arranged in such a way so that it is possible to stay indoors for long stretches of time without venturing out, except to bring water from the well in the yard. The yard is enclosed by high stone walls. Each house has a shelter for hiding in the event of assault. The 80 preserved old houses in the village of Arbanassi keep the spirit of those times.