Musalla Grand Hotel

In the heart of modern-day Varna stands a restored architectural masterpiece from the turn of the twentieth century. The legendary architect Dabko Dabkov’s old large hotel “Musala” was restored to its former splendour by architect Boyan Keremedchiev.

The hotel was cutting edge for its day with features including central heating, hot and cold running water in each room, an elevator, and a high-end restaurant. The ground level had a wide variety of stores.

Metodi Gandev, a prominent businessman from Varna who was instrumental in developing the port of Varna, opened his seaside landmark in 1927. Hristiyan Oblakov, a local historian and author of publications devoted to architect Dabko Dabkov, claims that the Barovo hotel “Musalla” had all the amenities of a high-end establishment for its period, including central heating and hot water on every story. The oldest elevator of the well-known “Schindler” brand was brought in from Vienna in 1925 and installed in this building. The hotel was named after what was originally Varna’s main plaza.

There is proof that the poet Nikola Y. Vaptsarov resided there for a while, and a plaque will be installed in his former chamber to honor him. Dabko Dabkov, the architect working on the project, visited the United States to broaden his perspective.

• https://visit.varna.bg/en/grand_hotel_musalla.html