Arbanassi Village - The Nativity Church 阿巴纳西 - 基督诞生教堂

Arbanasi is a small village in north central Bulgaria popular with tourists because of its well-preserved historical buildings and proximity to Veliko Tarnovo.
The village was founded by Christians in the 15th century, and became the property of Roustem pasha, the Grand Vizir to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, in the mid-16th century. Many of the old buildings still have an Ottoman decor and design.

The Nativity Church is the oldest church in Arbanassi. Originally built during the 15th century the simple low level building belies the wealth of art to be found within. Nearly every inch of the vaulted interior is covered in paintings and frescoes dating back to the 17th century. Scenes are from the old and new testaments: the life of Christ, the virtues of the Virgin Mary, there is even a frieze of Greek philosophers and several inscriptions of the benefactors and sponsors. The 'Wheel of Life' on the east wall of the north gallery is the earliest depiction of this type in Bulgarian churches. 

The Nativity Church (also called the Church of the Nativity of Christ) is probably the most-visited historical site in Arbanasi. It has a simple exterior, but elaborate frescoes inside.