Built in 1862, this house has hosted many famous military leaders such as Vasil Levski, Zahari Stoyanov, Hristo Ivanov – the Great, Ivan Hadjidimitrov, and others. A humble house of immense historical significance, with secret hideouts used as refuge from Turkish bashi-bazouks.
The house on “Mednikarska” Street No. 7 features two hideouts in the middle of the street beneath it, likely used by the Apostle, forming an arched stone structure built as a fortification typical of the area. They were as high as a man’s height and connected to the ground floor of the house, which faces south.
Its owner at the time, Ivan Hadjidimitrov, was born in 1845 in Stara Zagora. He moved to Veliko Tarnovo in 1863. He worked as a baker in Mednikarstvo – the ancient craft of the Thracians – in the immediate vicinity of his house on “Mednikarska” Street No. 7, now known as Aleko Apartments.
He acquired the nickname “Garibaldian” after joining Giuseppe Garibaldi’s unit and fighting for Italy’s liberation.
He actively participated in the work of Bulgaria’s Internal Revolutionary Organization. A close associate of Vasil Levski, Hristo Botev, Georgi Benkovski, and many others. He was one of the most active members of the Tarnovo Private Revolutionary Committee and served as its chairman from 1873 to 1875. His pseudonyms in the IRO were Zaraliyata, Stefan Karagyozov, and Asen.
He participated in the preparation of the April Uprising of 1876, as well as in the formation of Hristo Botev’s cheta. He was the main organizer of the Starozagora Uprising. His acquaintance with Vasil Levski dates back to their youth when they were schoolmates. Later, when Ivan moved to Tarnovo, he became one of the few people in whom the Apostle placed his trust.
The baker-merchant with his own office became the chairman of the Tarnovo Private Revolutionary Committee and was one of the three brave men who appeared on December 28, 1872, ready to take action for the liberation of the arrested national hero. Although he was one of Levski’s closest followers, he is not often mentioned as such by his contemporaries or historians.
Ivan Hadjidimitrov was also close to Hristo Ivanov the Great – one of Levski’s most loyal aides throughout his activity, head of his secret police, and a member of the VI National Assembly (1890–1893). His grave is in “Druzhba” Park.
He refused a pension after liberation in favor of the state.
