Boyar's House

The Boyar's House, also known as the Fortified House or Byzantine House, is a medieval building in Melnik, Bulgaria. It is regarded as the country's most remarkable surviving example of 13th-century medieval residential architecture. The house stands on Chatala Hill and has been declared a cultural monument. It is built of rubble stone bonded with white mortar. Its brick decoration includes meanders, herringbone patterns and geometric figures. The house uses a cellular construction technique and dates from the first half of the 13th century. Archaeological investigations carried out in 1971–1977 highlighted its historical importance. It was inhabited until the early 20th century and fell into ruin after the town's decline. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent example of medieval architectural craftsmanship in Melnik.