Tsarska Bistritsa, a palace steeped in history, served as a regal sanctuary for the monarchs of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Perched above the picturesque resort of Borovets in the Rila Mountains, this palace stands as a testament to Bulgaria’s royal past. Constructed over a span of 16 years, from 1898 to 1914, it initially functioned as a hunting lodge for Tsar Ferdinand I and Tsar Boris III. The architecture of Tsarska Bistritsa intricately blends traditional Bulgarian Revivalist style with subtle yet unmistakable European influences, creating a unique aesthetic.
A Palace Echoing with History
Tsarska Bistritsa holds profound significance in the saga of Bulgaria’s final royal dynasty. Here, on August 28, 1943, Tsaritsa Ioanna received the ominous news – her husband, Tsar Boris III, had fallen ill with a mysterious ailment. It was within these walls that the young Simeon, aged 6, and his sister, Maria-Luisa, aged 9, saw their father alive for the last time – a moment forever etched in the annals of royal history.
The Evolution of a Royal Complex
The palace’s transformation is as storied as its past. In 1898, the first wing, known as the “Old Palace,” came to life. It included a modest assortment of rooms—offices, bedrooms, and more. However, its evolution didn’t stop there. Under the vision of architect Pencho Koichev, two additional wings were constructed, housing a spacious guest lounge, an elegant dining room, and a second floor adorned with bedrooms, boudoirs, and yet another study. By 1914, the estate had grown into an expansive complex of palace buildings, surrounded by a lush park through which the Bistritsa Musalenska River meanders gracefully.
Nationalization and Later Restitution
The tides of history turned sharply in 1945 when Tsarska Bistritsa fell into the hands of the newly established regime in Bulgaria, becoming state property. Yet, following the seismic shifts of the democratic changes in 1989, the palace underwent a reversal of fortune. Simeon II, the son of Tsar Boris III, reclaimed the palace during his tenure as Bulgaria’s Prime Minister. For the first time in decades, the palace’s doors swung open to the public, welcoming visitors from Thursday to Sunday, between 9 AM and 5 PM.
The Battle for Ownership
The palace’s story took yet another twist when the Republic of Bulgaria contested the ownership of Tsarska Bistritsa. In 2014, the Sofia District Court declared that the palace should remain state property, mandating Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and his sister Maria Luisa to return the estate and pay compensation – pending further appeal.
However, the saga reached its climax on October 12, 2020, when the Supreme Court of Cassation delivered its final verdict. The court ruled in favor of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Maria Luisa Hroboсk, returning the palace to its royal heirs, ending years of legal disputes.
