Baba Tonka Museum
WORKING HOURS:
Winter period: Tuesday–Saturday
from 09:30 to 12:00
from 12:30 to 18:00
days off: Sunday and Monday
Summer period: every day
from 09:30 to 12:00
from 12:30 to 18:00
CONTACTS:
City of Ruse
40 “Baba Tonka” Street
Phone: 082 825 002; 082 831 913
Email: pr.museumruse@gmail.com
TO THE VIRTUAL ROOM
The “Baba Tonka” Museum is one of the emblematic cultural and historical sites in Ruse and a must-see stop for every visitor who wants to learn about the region’s past. Located in the home of Nikola Obretenov — son of the legendary Baba Tonka — the museum presents key moments from the national liberation struggles and the role of Ruse during the Bulgarian Revival.
The building was constructed in 1907–1908, and already in the 1930s it became a place where students and guests learned firsthand about the deeds of the revolutionaries. Today the museum is fully renovated and offers a rich exhibition that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
What you will discover in the museum
The exhibition traces the life and activities of the Obretenov family — some of the most active participants in the struggles for church independence, education, and the organization of revolutionary detachments. The museum preserves:
original documents, letters, and photographs;
weapons, personal belongings, and authentic items;
models, maps, and visual materials about the revolutionary movement in Ruse and the region;
information about events such as the April Uprising and Botev’s detachment.
One of the most impressive parts of the story is connected with the heroic act of Baba Tonka, who secretly buried fallen revolutionaries in the yard of her home, risking her own life. This transformed the house into a symbol of courage and defiance.
Interesting facts and legends
The “Baba Tonka” Museum is surrounded by many stories:
It is believed that a secret passage once existed under the house, used to hide revolutionaries.
The home was a gathering place for enlightened citizens of Ruse who participated in building resistance networks.
GALLEREY:
