Nikola Fichev (Bulgarian:Никола Фичев; 1800 inDirenova,Ottoman Empire – 1881 inVeliko Tarnovo,Principality of Bulgaria), commonly known asKolyo Ficheto (Bulgarian:Колю Фичето) or with his Turkish honorificUsta (Master) Kolyo Ficheto, was aBulgarianNational Revival architect, builder and sculptor born inDryanovo (then called Direnova) in 1800.
Left an orphan without a father at the age of three, Kolyu Ficheto was taught craftsmanship by the masterhands in the Trevne town (todayTryavna) since he was ten. He learned stonecutting in the town of Görice (todayKorçë inAlbania) when he was 17, and then mastered the construction of churches,bell towers and bridges from the craftsmen inBratsigovo.
Kolyu Ficheto became ajourneyman at the age of 23 and was fully recognized as amaster craftsman by the whole builders'guild at 36. Aside from his native languageBulgarian, he spoke fluentTurkish and goodGreek andRomanian, but wasilliterate, unable to read and write. Kolyu Ficheto is known for having lain under one of his own bridges to guarantee its safety with his life.
Fichev died inVeliko Tarnovo, where he was buried, in 1881.
Some of his notable works include theByala Bridge (Беленски мост,Belenski most) over theYantra River close toByala (1865-1867), theCovered Bridge inLovech over theOsam (1872-1874), churches in his native town, as well as inSvishtov (Church of the Holy Trinity, 1867) and Veliko Tarnovo (1844), where he also designed a number of houses and public buildings.
Ficheto Point onLivingston Island in theSouth Shetland Islands,Antarctica is named after Kolyo Ficheto.
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