Chitalishte Georgi Dimitrov
Chitalishte Georgi Dimitrov is an abandoned community center, or chitalishte, in a small village in the south of Bulgaria.
A chitalishte is a unique part of Bulgarian culture. The word literally means reading room, but these buildings were much more than just places for books. Each chitalishte served as a community center. It was a library, a theater, cinema, and a gathering spot for people.
Bulgarian culture
Chitalishta started in the 19th century and became important centers during the Bulgarian National Revival. They were places where people could learn and share ideas. For towns and villages, the chitalishta helped preserve Bulgarian culture and were essential for building a sense of community.
However, times have changed. Now, many chitalishta are abandoned. They lack the funding and support needed for repairs. This particular chitalishte has been empty for years. Without maintenance, the building’s roof is collapsing. The walls are cracked, and nature is starting to reclaim the place. Walking through an abandoned chitalishte feels like stepping back in time. You can still see the bookshelves, now covered in dust. The theater stage, once full of life, is empty. The seats, once filled with eager audiences, are broken.
Sad reminder
Today, chitalishta are disappearing, and their role in society has changed. Some Bulgarian communities try to keep them alive, but many are struggling. This abandoned chitalishte is a sad reminder of what once was. It shows how quickly a building can change when it is no longer used.
For urban explorers, discovering an old chitalishte is a rare find. It is a chance to see a forgotten piece of Bulgarian history and imagine the stories these walls once held. The collapse of the roof and the damage all around make this place dangerous to explore, but fascinating to document.
This exploration gives us a glimpse into Bulgaria’s past and highlights the importance of remembering places like these, even as they fall into ruin. I visited this abandoned place in 2022 during my roadtrip through Bulgaria.
