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It is assumed that Tryavna was founded in the second half of XII century, when it carried the name of Trnava.

The earliest evidence of the existence of Tryavna is dated to 1565. During the Ottoman rule the population enjoyed some privileges, because it was obliged to guard the passes of the Stara Planina. Earth, however, was barren, which in turn contributed to the rapid development of crafts. The residents of Tryavna proved as excellent masons and painters, but they are most famous even today for their ability to mold the wood.

If you visit Tryavna you will see that this small city radiates charm, especially in its old part. The Old Tryavna is declared an architectural reserve with 400 preserved monuments of the National Revival. The most important sights in the old part of the town are the Clock Tower, the "Humpback bridge", the XII century church "St. Archangel Michael" and the Museum of carving and ethnographic art.

Museum of carving and ethnographic art is placed in the famous Daskalov's house - a fine example of National Revival architecture and in particular, a Tryavna School of Architecture masterpiece. It has two floors, high and spacious veranda, protected by wide eaves. The house is surrounded by high stone wall with loopholes. It looks like a small fortress - something absolutely necessary in those troubled times when there were rogue gangs of kardzhalii and daalii.

The yard of this house is very beautiful, green and well maintained, with large trees. Wooden works of art blend with the overall appearance of the house. Daskalov’s house has two floors, at the lower are located several exposures, and above you can see the rooms with the famous suns. Although the house is 200 years old, it is authentic and maximally preserved.

In the halls of the house are exposed more than 5,000 exhibits. With numerous photographs and original works there are shown the masterpieces of the Tryavna School of Art - woodcarving and icon paintings among others. And even today great artists and craftsmen are still remembered – men like ousta (master) Dimitar and ousta Gencho, the carvers Dimitar Oshanetza and Ivan Bochukovetsa, as well as members of the six most renown painter-families. So when you get yourself there, do not miss the interesting collection of tools, materials and works of the richest family of icon painters in the country – the Minevski family.

Do not miss the collection of works by the craftsmen Gencho Marangozov - also carving and wooden sculptures of Bulgarian historical figures: khans, kings and Renaissance figures.

Daskalov’s house is known for other important events: Vasil Levski and Angel Kanchev created here the local revolutionary committee and the Apostle slept in the "Painted room." Here is settled and the headquarters of the Russian army during the Russo-Turkish War.

But Daskalov’s house is best known for the legend of the bet between Dimitar Oshanetza and Ivan Oshanetza. They were master carver and apprentice and they competed who will make more beautiful ceiling in the newly built house. Legend says that they labored six months and finally submitted to the local guild to decide who won. Local artists gathered and reviewed the work of Ivan Bochukovetsa – at the ceiling was drawn the July sun. Master Dimitar also depicted a sun on the roof and the guild decided that his work was better. Even today, every visitor can see the two suns, and to assess which one is better made.