The market grew up in the second half of the 19th century, when farmers from the nearby village of Samovodene came here to sell their produce, giving the street its name. Workshops, bakeries and inns soon followed, among them the Hadji Nikoli Inn, built between 1858 and 1862 by the celebrated master builder Kolyu Ficheto. In the mid-1980s the area was carefully restored to recreate the bustle of an old market street.
Today it is an atmospheric place to see traditional crafts kept alive. Look for craft workshops producing pottery, copperware, woodcarving, weaving, icons and traditional weapons, alongside antique and souvenir shops, a bakery and shops selling traditional sweets. It is a good place to pick up a handmade keepsake to take home.
Combine a stroll here with a visit to the Tsarevets fortress for a rounded picture of Tarnovo’s past.
