Rousse is the first Bulgarian town with European architectural outlook. The houses built in the 19th century are evidence of the architectural wave which at the time spread in the towns in Western Europe. One of the emblematic buildings in Rousse is the building of the Old Theatre, the first theater building in Bulgaria. Its construction was completed in 1902. This was the time when most of the grand houses, symbols of the riches and culture of the prospering town, were built. These include the Opera House, the public library, the boys’ school and many banks and residential houses