"Meshchi" Tower

Overview

The Meshchi Tower is one of the symbols of Vratsa. It is located near the administrative building of the Municipality of Vratsa. The tower is believed to date from the 16th century. It had a residential and defensive character. At the end of the 19th century it was rebuilt as a clock tower. In 2006 it was reconstructed. A dial is installed, as well as new artistic lighting. The ground floor had a storage purpose, and the 3 floors were used for residential purposes. In the 16th century the local notables - ayans, acquired special significance with the status of an institution. The Ayans played an important role in public life, determining the amount of taxes demanded by the state, interfering rudely and most often with selfish motives in the relationship between heaven and the supreme power. Such local leaders would have been those for whose needs the Tower of the Meshchi was built. In those troubled times - frequent popular movements, uprisings, wars and robberies pose a constant threat, especially to the local ayans and authorities