“Ilarion Makariopolski“ house-museum

The most interesting old house in the town of Elena is the “Ilarion Makariopolski“ house-museum. It is a monument of culture with national importance.

There was born the fighter for church independence Ilarion Makariopolski, his brother Nikola Mihaylovski – an eminent man of learning and his son – the poet satirist Stoyan Mihaylovski.

In one of the rooms in 1863 was found Elena`s cultural club “Napredak”.

Besides its historical importance, the house is with a high architectural worth. It is one of the rich Elena`s plank houses. It was built between 1710 and 1715 by three stages. The house was constructed from wood and stone. The house has two stores with big eaves, verandas, grated windows. On the ground floor are located cellars, stores, a stable and one living room. Two stairs lead to the second floor. The half of the veranda is occupied with a plank-bed. There the whole family rested on in hot summer days.

In the eastern part of the yard of this house is located the Hadzhihristov`s fountain. Earlier it was situated in the main street against the home of the famous writer Petko Jordanov Todorov, but due to the regulation of the street the fountain had to be moved. It was built in 1754 by Kara Yoan from Arbanassi, great-uncle of Makariopolski. It was renovated in 1813 by Hadzhi Stoyan Mihalyov, father of Ilarion Makariopolski. In its present shape the fountain was repaired in 1873 by Hadji Hristo, brother of Ilarion. The fountain was named Hadzhihristov`s Fountain after the name of Hadzhi Hristo. Near it is the bust-monument of Ilarion Makariopolski.