Konaka Museum
The building of the Konaka Museum is an original architectural cultural monument of local significance. Constructed in the 18th century, it was initially used as a police headquarters. Owing to its good visibility, the building’s central tower-like section functioned as a fire-watch tower, an important element for the safety of the town in the past.
After the Liberation of Bulgaria, the building was remodeled, incorporating characteristic elements of the Bulgarian National Revival. Since 1956, it has functioned as a museum, and today its exhibition presents the history of the Vidin region, from the earliest antiquity to the Liberation of Bulgaria.
Prehistory
In the “Prehistory” section, visitors can see the famous rock paintings from the Magura Cave, which testify to life during the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) and the Early Iron Age (1st millennium BC). The Late Bronze Age (1500–1200 BC) is represented by a rich collection of finds from the area of today’s village of Baley, including tools, jewelry, inlaid clay vessels, and objects with cultic functions.
Antiquity
The Antiquity section impresses with artifacts from the major Roman centers of Ratiaria (village of Archar), Bononia (Vidin), and Castra Martis (town of Kula). The exhibition features a rich collection of stone sculpture—Roman sarcophagi, funerary and votive stelae, and statues, among which stands out the marble statue “The Resting Hercules” (2nd century AD, Archar).
Collections of ceramic vessels, clay lamps, jewelry, and household items are complemented by a substantial numismatic collection of Roman Republican and Imperial coins. A special highlight is the original floor mosaic from a suburban villa near Ratiaria (3rd century AD).
Middle Ages
The medieval period is presented through exhibits revealing the economic and military life of Bdin. Ceramics, metalwork, coins, tools, and representative tableware of the sgraffito type (13th–14th centuries) have been discovered mainly during archaeological excavations at Baba Vida Fortress.
The trade connections of the Bdin Feudal Kingdom are illustrated by a copy of the Brașov Charter and the silver coins of Tsar Ivan Sratsimir (1352–1397).
Important cultural centers are also documented, such as the Albotin Monastery (13th–14th centuries), the church in Dolna Kamenitsa, the Rakovitsa Monastery (12th century), as well as the Bdin Literary School, represented by facsimiles of the Bdin Miscellany from 1360.
Ottoman Period and the National Revival
From the 15th to the 19th century, the city—already known as Vidin—was under Ottoman rule and established itself as an administrative and military center. During the 15th–17th centuries, it was the largest port on the Lower Danube, and later one of the key fortresses along the river.
The exhibition presents the first anti-Ottoman uprising of 1408, as well as original documentation related to the Vidin Uprising of 1850. Significant attention is given to the development of education and the church-national struggles that led to the idea of Bulgarian freedom.
The historical narrative concludes with the Liberation of Vidin in 1878, marking the beginning of a new stage in the development of the city and the region.
This exhibition turns the museum into a key site for exploring the centuries-old history of the Vidin region—rich, multi-layered, and deeply engaging for every visitor.
Summer Opening Hours
Monday – Friday
09:00 – 12:00
13:00 – 17:00
Saturday and Sunday
09:30 – 18:00
Winter Opening Hours
Monday – Friday
09:00 – 12:00
13:00 – 17:00
Saturday and Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
For information about all museum sites, please call +359 94 601 707 or +359 94 601 705.
