The most interesting sights of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo: the ancient Bulgarian capital
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When it comes to Bulgaria, everyone remembers the wonderful Black Sea resorts and all the entertainment that comes with it, while forgetting that Bulgaria has amazing interesting story dating back centuries, and a visit to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, illustrates this perfectly. A small town in the northern foothills of the Balkans has a huge amount attractions, what attracts large number tourists and every year their flow is increasing and increasing. These are the sights and places worth seeing that will be discussed below.
It is best to start exploring with the Old Town, which arose at the beginning of the 11th century, and although it has not reached us in its original form, it has nevertheless preserved the essence of that time. The old town has a very interesting feature, which attracts photographers, artists, and simply connoisseurs of everything beautiful. The peculiarity is that the ancient buildings of this place visually hang over the Yantra River, which creates truly unique panoramic views. It is in the old town that you can see buildings created by the famous Bulgarian architect of the 19th century Nikola Fichev, including his better job - Church of St. Constantine and Helena.
The old one is also located here Turkish konak, which housed the police headquarters at the end of the 19th century and now belongs to the National Renaissance Museum. The building is famous not only as an architectural masterpiece, but also because it was in it that the very first Constitution of free Bulgaria was developed.
When you come to the Old Town, you will never pass by the main street named after the Russian general Joseph Vladimirovich Gurko, built in the 18th century and preserved almost unchanged. It is on this street that there are a large number of souvenir shops, craft workshops, restaurants and cafes.
In general, as already written above, there are a large number of attractions in Veliko Tarnovo and its surroundings and each of them is worthy of a separate article, so let’s just go over some of the most significant of them
Church of the Forty Martyrs. One of the oldest and the most beautiful temples cities. Construction of the temple began in the 12th century during the Asenei dynasty, and judging by the legends and archives of historians, it was originally part of the Great Lavra monastery. Alas, at present there is nothing left of the monastery except the temple; everything was destroyed during the time when Veliko Tarnovo was under the Turks. It is the tomb of many rulers of Bulgaria, including: Ivan Asen II, St. Savva of Serbia, Kaloyan and others.
Tsarevets Fortress. Built on the mountain of the same name and from the 12th to the end of the 14th century it was the residence of the Bulgarian kings and local nobility, since during this period the city was the capital. During the temporary occupation of the territory by the Ottoman Empire, the fortress was badly damaged as a result of fighting, but from the middle of the last century its restoration began, which partly continues to this day.
In the evenings, a unique event takes place near the fortress. light show, showing in pictures the history of the formation of Bulgaria as a state.
Kilifarevo Monastery. It is located 12 kilometers from the city, near the village of the same name, on the banks of the Belitsa River. Its history dates back to the mid-14th century and at that time it was one of the largest centers of medieval literature and education. Just like previous attractions, it was looted and partially destroyed by Turkish troops and was restored at the beginning of the 18th century, a little away from its historical location.
Arbanasi. A mountain village considered a monument of culture and history of Bulgaria. The settlement was founded in the 12th century by Albanians, evicted from Southern Epirus by the Turks for constant revolts and uprisings. It was originally a village of farmers and cattle breeders, but in the 17th century it became a relatively large shopping mall a region that even the Turkish Empire took into account. It was at this time that rich merchant houses began to be built, somewhat reminiscent of small fortresses, decorated with stucco and carvings. To date, only 80 houses have survived, some of which are architectural monuments.
In Arabanasi there are as many as 5 churches built in different years, thanks to which you can see how the architecture of religious Christian buildings has evolved.
Church of Demetrius of Thessalonica. The most old church in Veliko Tarnovo. The construction of its walls began at the end of the 12th century on the slope of Mount Trapezitsa; subsequently, a monastery was built around it, which existed until the end of the thirteenth century and was destroyed, no, this time not by the Turks, but by an earthquake. In the 15th century, a new one was built on the foundation of the old temple, but in 1913 it suffered the same fate as the previous one, and was restored for the third time at the end of the last century according to drawings and drawings found during archaeological excavations.
Believe me, this is only a small part of the historical attractions of Velikoye Tarnovo, but there are also natural ones, and there are a lot of them too.
Momin-Skok waterfall. To be more precise, a whole cascade of waterfalls is located in the Yemen Canyon and has a unique mountainous terrain, somewhat reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the USA. In some places the height of the rocks reaches 90 meters, and the Rositsa-Nigovanka River flows at the bottom. It is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria and is loved by many ecotourists.
Kaya Bunar waterfall. An oasis that reveals all the splendor and diversity of Bulgarian nature. It is located 14 km from Veliko Tarnovo. You can get there either by bus, by rented car, or by taxi; fortunately, there is convenient parking near the waterfall. The territory of the waterfall is fenced with rocks with lush vegetation, forming a complete circle, and in the center of all this splendor is a rapid stream of water falling from a height of 30 meters, divided by protruding boulders into several floors. This is a favorite vacation spot for both locals and tourists.
As you can see, Veliko Tarnovo is a place that you can and should visit, but you definitely won’t be bored here.
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Veliko Tarnovo is the ancient capital of the state. Nowadays, this resort is very famous among visitors due to two of its qualities: the beauty of the area and low real estate prices. Anyone who has the financial opportunity to buy a house in Bulgaria at a low price, where they can live for the summer or the rest of their lives, is unlikely to miss it.
There are a large number of churches in Veliko Tarnovo; here they are literally at every step. In these places there is a hill where seventeen (!) buildings of religious significance were found. Such piety probably even surpasses in strength similar character traits characteristic of the inhabitants of Israel.
Sights of the Veliko Tarnovo resort
In this place in Bulgaria, tourists have the opportunity to feel as if they were in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. While walking along an ordinary new street, you can suddenly find yourself in the middle of the distant past.
Archaeological Museum
Items collected in the museum collection allow the tourist to return nine centuries ago. One of the most important exhibits is a gold bar, which is the oldest on the planet - a value belonging to the Neolithic. This gold probably has the most high cost in the world.
In addition, in the Archaeological Museum you can see ceramics and pottery from the Bronze and Stone centuries, jewelry made of precious metals - gold and silver, frescoes, icons and coins. The Museum also has a stone garden with sculptures from the times Ancient Rome. Not far from the Museum there is a city library, which is one of the richest in the country.
Trapezitsa
This overgrown hill was once loved by the Bulgarian kings. Once archaeologists discovered seventeen churches from the Middle Ages on it. To this day, tourists can see volunteer groups here excavating the foundations of ancient buildings and cleaning Byzantine tiles. If you want, you can also participate in this work - maybe you’ll find something!
Old town
The Old Town is the heart of the resort. On a small nickel there are monuments of Bulgarian architecture. For example, the Turkish konak located here is a police station from the nineteenth century.
standing nearby Churches of Constantine and Helena and Saints Cyril and Methodius. Tourists are invited to visit the workshops of local craftsmen. Inn Hadji Nikola has significant similarities with the Constantinople caravanserai. Located close to it House with Obyanka– a building with an expressive sculpture under the bay window.
Very impressive to visitors Gurko street– it contains a large number of buildings that have undergone reconstruction, as well as shops, hotels and restaurants. In general, the atmosphere of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is felt.
Tsarevets Fortress
The Tsarevets Fortress is an architectural and museum reserve, which occupies the Tsarevets Hill, which is located in the ancient part of the city. These places were inhabited by people back in the third millennium BC. In the fifth to seventh centuries AD, the large Byzantine city of Zikideva was located on this site. This is where a Bulgarian settlement subsequently appeared. The fortress wall was erected in the twelfth century. Its remains have survived to this day. It reaches a length of 1100 meters, a width of 3.40, and its height is more than 10. This architectural ensemble also includes a castle with two towers, residential buildings, monasteries and temples. Work to restore the Tsarevets fortress was carried out in 1930-1981. and were timed to coincide with the 1300th anniversary of the creation of the Bulgarian state. The architectural ensemble is located on an area of 1413 square meters.
Here they conduct an audio-visual performance “Sound and Light” - with the help of laser technologies, music and bell ringing.
In addition, in the summer, on the site of the fortress, an opera and ballet festival is held - “Scene of the Ages” - an original forum on fresh air, which attracts many visitors.
Performance "Sound and Light":
Tsarevets Fortress:
Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs
The Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs is an iconic memorial site of this resort, which is located near the Tsarevets fortress. This temple was erected in honor of the victory of Tsar Ivan Asen II over byzantine emperor Theodore Komnenos, which occurred near Klokotnitsa and dates back to March 22, 1230.
This building was erected at the end of the thirteenth century, at first it was integral part complex "Tsarsky Monastery", which was known as one of the shrines of Tarnovo. During the period of Turkish rule, this place was neglected, the church became a mosque, thanks to which the temple was preserved. Christians began to hold their rituals here as soon as the country was liberated from Turkish oppression - in 1878.
The interior decoration of the church is impressive with wall paintings, and there are also important Old Bulgarian epigraphic monuments - columns made of stone and belonging to different periods, which are covered with descriptions of the accomplishments of local rulers.
The Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs in our time is a branch of the National Historical Museum located in Sofia. Religious ceremonies are held here only on important Christian holidays.
Transfiguration Monastery
Transfiguration Monastery is an active Orthodox monastery, located near Veliko Tarnovo. It is located seven kilometers from the city, near the village of Samovodene, above the left bank of the Yantra River.
This large monastery was founded around 1360. Perhaps this is the merit of Queen Theodora Sarah. Throughout the entire period of its existence, the temple was an important spiritual component of the life of the state. After Tarnovo was conquered by the Turks - at the end of the fourteenth century, the building was destroyed. The temple began to be restored only in 1825, after the permission of Sultan Mahmud Khan. Central part in the monastery there became the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which was erected in 1834-1837, and painted in 1849-1851. famous Bulgarian painter Zakhary Zograf from Samokov.
The Transfiguration Monastery is open every day, tourists are offered free excursions - in Bulgarian.
) , With unique story, architectures Aamazes with its grandeur. The city is located in the centralpartsBulgaria, at the foot of the Stara Planina mountain. Great Tarnovo rassignedon three xolmakh:Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and SvetaIMountain,elevatesbeing over the Yantra River.
Ethat old onesth cityhas more than 6000 yearsyayahistory, the first evidence of the existence of life here dates back to 4000dOXPistaand were found in the Kačica area. On Trapezitsa Hill, at its foot, the remains of Thracian and other ancient tribes were discovered.
Early Byzantine periodIV— VI.
On the Tsarevets hill, there was a fortified Roman settlement.WITHlet gomany yearson the hillhas already been createdByzantineesettlement.
In 1185, brothers Ivan Asen and Theodor Peter proclaimed Veliko Tarnovo capital of the new Bulgarian kingdom. IN XII century the capital becamethe center of political, economic and cultural life in the country. On Tsarevets Hill there is the Royal Palace and the Patriarchate - two main institutions for that time, along its slopes there are many administrative and residential buildings.
Fortress "Tsarevets".
INIXV. On the site of the Tsarevets Fortress, a Bulgarian settlement arises, which develops and grows during the First Bulgarian Kingdom and Byzantine rule. In 1187, when Veliko Tarnovo was proclaimed the official capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, Tsarevets was turned into its main fortification in the aristocratic region.
Tsarevets, in its natural inaccessibility, predetermined the choice of where the center would be senior management states. Strong system provided security quiet life living in the fortress. Inside the fortress there are buildings with richly decorated facades. The throne chambers and personal chambers of the ruler had a magnificent interior.
The city was the center of political, economic and cultural life of the Bulgarian state. It was possible to enter the fortress through three entrances. In addition to tsars, boyars and clergy, many people lived in Tsarevets ordinary people who served the nobles. The palace had an area of 4,872 square meters and was located in the central part of the fortress. And in the middle of the courtyard there was the Church of St. Petka Tarnovska. During the fall of Tarnovo to the Ottoman Empire on July 17, 1393, the palace was burned and destroyed.
Temple "St. Demetrius of Thessalonica."
The temple was important historical significance in the past. The monastery became the center of the Bulgarian uprising against Byzantine rule, organized by the brothers Asen and Peter in 1185. The Bulgarian Patriarchate was restored here, and Archbishop Vasily was ordained as head of the church. Peter was proclaimed king, and the whole country independent. The church survived looting twice, and in 1913 a new earthquake destroyed it.In 1977 restoration begins, the process ends in 1985.
Temple "St. Demetrius of Thessalonica"
Church "St. 40 martyrs."
The church was built in honor of the victory of Ivan AsenIIin Klokotnitsa, March 9, 1230 under Bishop Theodore.It was destroyed in 1327 by an earthquake, then rebuilt until the 50sXIV-th century. There are several old tombstones there - columns from the Rodosto fortress of the time of Khan Krum, Omurtag and Asen.The inscriptions were made by order of Tsar Ivan Asen and placed inside the church. Today the church has been completely restored, but it is a new building; only a small part of the old building has survived. One of the most significant events What took place here was the declaration of Bulgarian Independence by Prince Ferdinand on September 1 - 22, 1908.
Church "St. 40 martyrs"
Attraction "Kaloyan Fortress" - Arbanasi.
At the end of 2008, the Kaloyan Fortress attraction opens its doors. An impressive medieval castle with entrance gates and towers, the ensemble of which includes a wooden bridge over a moat with decorative water surface. The monument to Tsar Kaloyan majestically rises in front of the fortress and is the last one in modern history Bulgaria.
Kaloyan Fortress
Fortress«.
The second important fortified hill of the old Bulgarian capital Tarnovo. The origin of his name is interesting. It was argued that it comes from the word meal or from the word trapezoid, due to the shape of the trapezoid.
Many beautiful churches and buildings were built, as well as the residence of the patriarch. The fortress was connected to this hill through a bridge, which was approached by islands along the road, carved into the rocks. Natural waters were on Tsarevets main defense hill - it is surrounded on three sides by the stormy waters of the Yantra River. Four entrances led to the inner fortress, the main one being the southern one. Part of the southern gate has survived to this day.
Museum "Renaissance and Constituent Assembly».
The Renaissance and Constituent Assembly Museum is located in the northern part of Connection Square in the city. Veliko Tarnovo. The exhibition is located in a building on an old Turkish konak. This architectural monument was built in 1872 by master builders Kolyu Ficheto. In 1985, the adaptation of the building was completed taking into account its purpose as a museum. The exhibition unfolded on three floors.
Samovodskaya charshiya.
Samovodskaya charshiya (street) was created in the 60s and 70sXIXc., when Tarnovo begins to grow west of the business center of Bazhdarlak. Two streets with shopping stores, workshops and hotels appear. One of them starts from a small square, now known as the Samovodsky market.In the alley that goes west from the Samovodsky market, along with others, there is aXen"Hadji Nikoli". After the Liberation of this business part of Tarnovo, the traditions of Renaissance crafts and shopping arcades. This street becomes a symbol of the merchant and trading character of the old city.
Sarafkin House (Museum of Urban Life).
Sarafkin House is located on Gurko Street, in the revived part of the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Built in 1861. It was intended for the residence and work of Dimo Sarafina. In 1965 it was declared a cultural monument of national importance,A1981dIt is declared a museum where ethnographic exhibitions are held.
Khan "Haji Nikoli".
Iis an integral part of the cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria, and an undisputed architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. Built in 1858 by order of a Tarnovo trader and participant in the struggle for an independent Bulgarian Church. The design and construction were created by the master Kolyu Ficheto, who erected a magnificent monumental building, which to this day is compared with Venetian palaces. The complex is uniquethand currently delights contemporaries with its beauty. After a long restoration, Khan« Hadji Nikoli" opens its doors in March 2010yearas a kind of cultural center - a complex consisting of exhibition halls, museumsth, art gallery, restaurant and wine bar.
Architectural and museum reserve "Arbanasi".
The earliest information about the existence of Arbanasi is known from the endXV– startedXVIcentury. During this period it is the possession of the highest dignitaries in the Ottoman Empire. Surviving tax records provide information about what crafts existed in this village—Kazanjiism( brewed moonshine), tailoring,fabric dyeing, shoe repair, uVelirnse workssand others. INXVIIV. in the temples in the villagesteelfunctionaryovateKiliya schools.
The economic and cultural development of Arbanassi was forcibly interrupted in 1798yearwhen the attack took place androbbery« KardzhaliswhoasquadsOuch» . After some timetime the village graduallyrecoveredfrom the pogrom, but never again achieved the previous brilliance and success.
The city of Veliko Tarnovo is a unique place in terms of beauty and historical attractions. Probably the main point of any traveler in this city will be Tsarevets Hill. After the formation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, a fortress wall was erected on Tsarevets. In its southern part rises the Baldwin Tower, associated with the legend of the Latin emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who was captured by King Kaloyan. There on the hill are the Palaces of the Bulgarian Tsars and the Bulgarian Patriarchate. At the top of Tsarevets stands the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Ascension, restored on the old foundation. Near the river there is a medieval monument, the Church of the Forty Martyrs and the small Church of St. Peter and Paul (XIII-XIV centuries), which survived during the times of persecution and destruction, but was badly damaged in 1913 during the earthquake. From the steps of the Church of St. Demetrius (1185), a call was made for an uprising against Byzantine rule, which led to the creation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. In the summer, the citadel of Tsarevets with its battlements becomes a natural grandiose backdrop for the evening performance “Sound and Light”, dedicated to the centuries-old history of Bulgaria and its struggle against the Turkish yoke. In the old town of Veliko Tarnovo you can see Renaissance houses and numerous buildings by the most famous architect of Bulgaria in the 19th century. Kolya Ficheto. One of his works is the old Turkish konak - a building that housed the police of that time (1872), and today houses the city hall. To the south of the konak is a former Turkish prison. Having passed by the Historical Museum, whose exhibits tell about the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, we will find ourselves in front of the Church of St. Constantine and Elena, one of the religious buildings of Fichet. Two other churches - St. Spas and the Holy Apostles Cyril and Methodius - are also of considerable interest in the Old Town. On the street Rakovski has old craft workshops that attract tourists. On the same street is the inn of Hadji Nikola - one of the buildings of Ficheto (1858) in the style of Constantinople caravanserais. Gurko Street makes a great impression on guests: amazingly restored buildings of the 19th century, a hotel, restaurants, shops on the first floors allow you to imagine what the city looked like in the old days. In the Old Town you can also admire the monumental monument to King Asen, erected in 1985. at the bend of the river, and the building of the Veliko Tarnovo Art Museum. One of its departments contains paintings dedicated to history Veliko Tarnovo, another presents works by Bulgarian painters of the 20th century.
Opinions about the attractions of Veliko Tarnovo
They write that: Tsarevets Hill is the site of patriarchal churches and royal palaces. From here it opens beautiful view to the Old Town of Veliko Tarnovo and its surroundings. After the formation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, a fortress wall was erected on Tsarevets, washed on three sides by the waters of the Yantra River. In its southern part rises the Baldwin Tower, associated with the legend of the Latin emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who was captured by King Kaloyan. One of the most interesting objects worth seeing is the Palace of the Bulgarian Kings, which is an independent fortress. The second architectural complex, the Palace of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, is located on the highest point of the hill. At the top of Tsarevets stands the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Ascension, restored on the old foundation. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from Bulgarian history and the era of the national Renaissance. Near the river there is a medieval monument, the Church of the Forty Martyrs and the small Church of St. Peter and Paul (XIII-XIV centuries), which survived during the times of persecution and destruction, but was badly damaged in 1913 during the earthquake. The church is truly awe-inspiring; the well-preserved frescoes are a wonderful example of the Veliko Tarnovo school of painting, which is characterized by the individualization of characters. Among the many churches, the Church of St. Dmitry (1185) stands out, the facade of which is decorated with elegant arcades. Here the call for an uprising against Byzantine rule was voiced for the first time, which led to the creation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. 17 medieval churches have been discovered on Trapezitsa Hill. The old town of Veliko Tarnovo is exceptionally beautiful and picturesque. Here you can see houses of the Renaissance and numerous buildings of the most famous architect of Bulgaria in the 19th century. Kolya Ficheto. In the building of the current Veliko Tarnovo National Revival Museum, the first constitution of free Bulgaria was drafted. Next to the building is a former Turkish prison. It is also worth visiting the Historical Museum, the Church of St. Constantine and Helen, the Church of St. Spas and the Apostles Cyril and Methodius. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town and along the main street Gurko, looking at the architecture of the 19th century, you can easily feel the atmosphere of that time - here are old craft workshops, restored buildings, restaurants and shops. You can admire the building of the Veliko Tarnovo Art Museum, the monumental monument to Tsar Asen (1985), the Sarafin House - a museum of folk crafts of the 19th century. Veliko Tarnovo is famous for its light and sound show, which can be seen in the evening at the height of the tourist season on Tsarevets Hill. The show amazes with its colorfulness and originality. Legends about Veliko Tarnovo have been preserved, one of which says that in the rocks of the Patriash Monastery “St. Trinity", located north of Veliko Tarnovo, the famous Tarnovo library is hidden. Here, in a cave, high into the rocks, all the books and monastery valuables were transferred. The entrance was closed with brickwork and crushed rock. It could only be found by a sign carved into the rock The next legend says that in the Trapezitsa fortress there was a royal mint, under which there was a basement in which the royal treasure was kept. The entrance to it was covered with a stone slab. Only the king and the treasury guards knew about the secret door. When the Turks invaded, Tsar Shishman ordered everything to be moved to the basement and the mint to be destroyed. Only King Shishman knew about the secret entrance. To the south of the city of Veliko Tarnovo there is the area of Troshan, so the whole legend says that these lands were royal, the king gave them to the boyar Troshan. Troshan built a monastery on the new lands. Having learned about this, the king made rich gifts to the monastery. Everything in the church glittered and sparkled with gold, silver and precious stones. I visited him in the summer royal family. The king also came and left rich gifts there, but they came hard times. The conquerors were approaching Tarnov, the monks collected everything valuable and hid it in the basement. The monastery was destroyed and set on fire. The monks were killed. Only the legend about the royal monastery remains.
They write that: medieval Veliko Tarnovo was located on three hills - Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora. After the formation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, a Fortress arose on Tsarevets. It is washed on three sides by the waters of the Yantra River. During the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the residence of the kings and the highest hierarchs of the church was located here. Boyars and clergy of lower rank settled on Trapezitsa Hill. At the top of Tsarevets stands the three-nave Patriarchal Cathedral of the Ascension, restored on the old foundation. The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting scenes of Bulgarian history and the era of the national Renaissance, the work of the contemporary Bulgarian artist Teofan Sokerov. Under the fortress hill lies the picturesque medieval artisan quarter of Asenov Mahal, where it is pleasant to take a walk. The Church of the Forty Great Martyrs is the tomb of several Bulgarian kings, the site of the declaration of Bulgarian independence in 1908. Excavations and restoration work have been carried out in the Monastery of the Forty Holy Martyrs for many years. Therefore, there is no access to the monastery. The church was built in 1230. From that era, not only individual fragments of frescoes have reached us, but also ancient columns. The inscriptions on them, made in Old Bulgarian and Greek, are the oldest surviving texts early Middle Ages. True, the columns can now be seen in the National Historical Museum in Sofia. But the small church of St. Peter and Paul, located not far from here, managed to withstand periods of persecution and destruction, but was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1913. But even today this church of the 13th-14th centuries. causes admiration. Its well-preserved frescoes of the 14th-17th centuries are very interesting. - a wonderful example of the Tarnovo school of painting, which is characterized by the individualization of characters. Both are depicted above the entrance heavenly patron churches - St. Peter and Paul, as well as St. John of Rila and the lives of the saints. There are many churches in the old quarter of Asenova Mahal. Among them, the temple of Sveti Dimitar (1185) stands out. Within its walls there was a call for an uprising against Byzantine rule, which led to the creation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The façade, restored in the early 1980s, looks especially impressive, decorated with graceful arcades. temple. The Church of Sveti Georgi is so small that you might not even notice it! But the more impressive are the frescoes, made mainly in the 17th century. The old town, which arose during the Bulgarian Renaissance to the south and west of Trapezitsa Hill, is the picturesque core of modern Veliko Tarnovo. The architectural uniqueness of the city lies in the fact that many ancient buildings seem to hang over the Yantra, creating a picturesque panorama that attracts artists and photographers. In the Old Town, tourists will get to know the buildings built by the most famous Bulgarian architect of the 19th century, Kolya Ficheto. One of his works is the old Turkish konak - a building that housed the police of that time (1872), and today houses the city hall. The first constitution of free Bulgaria was drafted in this building. Today it houses the National Renaissance Museum. To the south of the konak is a former Turkish prison. Having passed by the Historical Museum, whose exhibits tell about the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, we will find ourselves in front of the Church of St. Constantine and Elena, one of the religious buildings of Ficheto. The majestic facade of the church is one of his best creations. Two other churches - St. Spas and the Holy Apostles Cyril and Methodius - are also of considerable interest in the Old Town. On the street Rakovski has old craft workshops that attract tourists. On the same street is the inn of Hadji Nikola - one of the buildings of Ficheto (1858) in the style of Constantinople caravanserais. This building stands on a slope and its individual wings have from one to three floors. Not far from it there is a small house with an expressive facade. Because of the figure under the bay window, the townspeople nicknamed it the House with the Monkey. Gurko Street makes a great impression on guests: amazingly restored buildings of the 19th century, a hotel, restaurants, shops on the first floors allow you to imagine what the city looked like in the old days. Among all the buildings, the Sarafin House (No. 88) stands out, where a museum of interior design and folk crafts of the 19th century is open. In the Old Town you can also admire the monumental monument to King Asen, erected in 1985. at the bend of the river, and the building of the Veliko Tarnovo Art Museum. One of its departments contains paintings dedicated to the history of Veliko Tarnovo, while another presents works by Bulgarian painters of the 20th century.
They write that: if you decide to visit the unusual city of Veliko Tarnovo, first of all you should see Tsarevets Hill, the site of patriarchal churches and royal palaces, a hill where the Baldwin Tower still stands, associated with the legend of the Latin emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who was captured by Tsar Kaloyan . You will see another Trapezitsa hill, where 17 medieval churches have been discovered. Veliko Tarnovo gave the world the chronicle of Manasseh and the Four Gospels of Tsar Ivan Alexander. This was the birthplace of Theodosius of Tarnovo and St. Euthymius, Patriarch of Tarnovo. Walking along the old Gurko Street, the main shopping street of the city, you will feel the unique atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival period. The old town area is quite well preserved with its Bulgarian Revival houses with their beautiful interiors, handmade and a cafe. Today, travelers describe Veliko Tarnovo as the most beautiful Bulgarian city.
They write that: The Old Town is the picturesque center of Veliko Tarnovo. Many ancient buildings “hang” over the Yantra, creating a very beautiful picturesque panorama that attracts numerous artists and photographers to Veliko Tarnovo. In the Old Town you will see numerous buildings of the most famous architect of Bulgaria in the 19th century. Kolya Ficheto. This is also an old Turkish konak (now it is the city hall, but previously the police were located here). The first constitution of free Bulgaria was drafted in this building. Today the Veliko Tarnovo Museum of National Revival is located here, and a former Turkish prison is located nearby. In Veliko Tarnovo there is the monastery of the Forty Martyrs and the small church of St. Peter and Paul (XIII-XIV centuries), which survived during the times of persecution and destruction, but was badly damaged in 1913 during the earthquake. The church is truly awe-inspiring; the well-preserved frescoes are a wonderful example of the Veliko Tarnovo school of painting, which is characterized by the individualization of characters. Among the many churches, the Church of St. Dmitry (1185) stands out, the facade of which is decorated with elegant arcades. Here the call for an uprising against Byzantine rule was voiced for the first time, which led to the creation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Among the natural attractions, the Kaya Bunar waterfall should be noted.
They write that: the main attraction of the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Tsarevets Hill, where in medieval times there was a fortress that guarded the residence of the kings and the patriarchal complex. Several churches with fresco ensembles have survived to this day. In the summer, the citadel of Tsarevets with its battlements becomes a natural grandiose backdrop for the evening performance “Sound and Light”, dedicated to the centuries-old history of Bulgaria and its struggle against the Turkish yoke. Of particular interest to the traveler is the old trade and craft quarter called Samovodska Charshija. Since ancient times, potters, gunsmiths, and bakers lived and worked here. Now here you can not only buy goods from craftsmen, but also observe the process of their production using ancient technologies. 4 km from the city in the mountains is the village of Arbanasi, an architectural and artistic reserve where several medieval churches and monasteries, as well as houses with authentic decoration and utensils, have been preserved.
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Our tourist loves Bulgaria, oh, how he loves it. Long beaches delicious food, inexpensive package tours– and thousands of vacationers sleepily lie on the sand near the Black Sea, unaware of what beauties are hidden nearby. Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, is located just a couple of hundred kilometers from the coast, and this is a unique place that is worth tearing yourself away from your sun lounger.
Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria: photos and impressions
Veliko Tarnovo is not a city for those weak in spirit or weak in the legs. Local architecture cascades along the rocks hanging over the Yantra River and the “peninsula”, a green cape cutting into the center. I walked around the city for a couple of days and still didn’t understand whether there was at least one completely flat, horizontal square meter in it.
Old quarter of Varusha, Veliko Tarnovo. Photo: © Plamen Agov studiolemontree.com Multi-colored houses are perched on top of each other in tiers, as if in a theater, and they look with curiosity through their dim-witted windows. Art gallery and monument to the Asenids (Asenevtsi) on the peninsula.
Photo: Pudelek/Wikimedia commons The streets between the buildings are steep, narrow, paved with old paving stones, and it is unclear how the locals stumble along them in winter, when everything is covered with ice. I think that with such a vertical life, the townspeople should buy propellers and fly to each other for coffee, like bees - from flower to flower.
The Boris Denev Gallery was built in 1934 and houses paintings, graphics and sculptures by many famous Bulgarian artists. Particularly interesting is the exhibition dedicated to Veliko Tarnovo itself - paintings and photos. The gallery is closed on Mondays, admission is free on Thursdays, and a regular ticket for adults costs approximately 1.5 euro.
Near the gallery stands a monument to the aforementioned Asenids - the ancient Bulgarian kings who overthrew Byzantine rule in the 12th century.
The gallery, the monument and the surrounding park are best admired from the terraces of those same houses on the rock. Savvy residents rent out apartments there, set up hotels, hostels, cafes, restaurants - everything for tourists who want to have lunch and wake up admiring the picturesque landscape and clicking photos of Veliko Tarnovo.
The photo above is a view from the site of one of the many cafes in Veliko Tarnovo; I didn't remember its name. Here's the restaurant sign "Happy" struck to the spelling depths of my soul. A real nightmare for any Russian language teacher, but the norm for Bulgarians - our Slavic relatives.
We wish you good luck! There are already two Schastlivets in Veliko Tarnovo, but, unfortunately, my legs didn’t reach either of them.
Gorgeous (and free) views of the city open from Kraibrezhna and Iosif Gurko streets. The latter is named after the Russian general, under whose leadership our troops expelled the Turks from Veliko Tarnovo in 1877.
Old quarters of Veliko Tarnovo
The streets are shady, narrow, and it’s encouraging that despite the density of buildings, Veliko Tarnovo residents still carved out space for trees and other greenery.
While the houses are growing on floors and standing on tiptoes to see the river, the Bulgarians enthusiastically place pots of flowers on them. In spring, Veliko Tarnovo is surrounded by roses, fragrant and pleasing to the eye in every possible way.
A real rose fall falls from the terraces 
Sometimes ancient houses are decorated with equally colorful wardrobe items. 🙂
Architecture and nature combine very harmoniously. There is no unnecessary cutting, almost no ugly new buildings that would not fit into the landscape. And even modern “patches” look appropriate, adding some touching colorful individuality to the facades of old buildings.
A few more ancient quarters:
In such an unusual place, graffiti, the inevitable inhabitants of the back streets of any city, will be very cute and romantic:
Other attractions of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria
In addition to old-style houses, Veliko Tarnovo has other interesting sights. For example, Cathedral Church of the Nativity Holy Mother of God , erected in 1934 on the site of a church destroyed in the 19th century by an earthquake.
Built in the 13th century, it was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. The Turks destroyed almost all the frescoes, and only a few fragments have survived to this day. Many other buildings were also destroyed...
Therefore, the adoption of the first constitution of Bulgaria, the Tarnovo Constitution, in 1879, and then, in 1908, the declaration of the country’s independence from the Ottoman Empire became especially important for Veliko Tarnovo. It is noteworthy that the Bulgarian prince declared independence precisely in the Church of the Forty Martyrs.
This church has great value not only for Bulgarians: the most revered Serbian saint, Archbishop Sava, died in Veliko Tarnovo. For a couple of years his relics were kept in the Church of the Forty Martyrs, and then they were transferred to Serbia. Now a slab has been installed at the burial site of St. Sava, and Orthodox believers from all over the Balkans flock to see it.
Entrance ticket to the church costs 3 euros.
If you haven't already worn out your legs running through the hills of Veliko Tarnovo, be sure to get to fortresses Trapezitsa and Tsarevets.
Trapezitsa. Excavations carried out in the 19th century showed that this fortress once housed as many as 17 churches. The Tsarevets fortress, located on the hill of the same name, is especially interesting.
Entrance there costs about 3 euros, and you can walk around the vast territory for a long time, viewing the sights of Veliko Tarnovo from an unusual perspective.
Patriarchal Cathedral on top of Tsarevets Hill. A tourist who finds himself in Veliko Tarnovo during state and city holidays has a chance to catch a magical light and music show that is staged in the Tsarevets fortress.
Light show in Veliko Tarnovo. Photo: Mir4o86 / Wikimedia commons On other evenings, Tsarevets and Trapezitsa are simply illuminated spectacularly, so that travelers have an incentive to take a promenade along the hills not only during the day.
Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria: how to get there
You can get to the beauty in Veliko Tarnovo by bus from any major Bulgarian city. Most often, buses run from Sofia and Varna (one-way ticket - 10 euros), a little less often - from Plovdiv and Burgas. Detailed schedule on the websites: http://www.bgrazpisanie.com/en and https://avtogari.info/
By car Veliko Tarnovo is easy to get to, asphalt in good condition; Just don’t forget to buy a vignette – there are toll roads in Bulgaria.
Veliko Tarnovo is beautiful, isn’t it? I consider myself real happy people, who had the opportunity to visit this incredible city. 🙂 And then the lucky woman went to a wonderful, cozy place with its street of craftsmen, drunken doors and grasshopper residents. And I was not disappointed.
What do we know about the non-Black Sea coast of Bulgaria? And is there anything interesting in Bulgaria other than resort places like Varna, Golden Sands, or Sunny Beach? Where can you go on an excursion in Bulgaria that would be interesting and educational? This report will focus on the sights of Veliko Tarnovo or the “city of kings” - the ancient capital of Bulgaria and the most important industrial and cultural center of the country.
A little history
When creating a report about a city with such a rich history, it is impossible not to at least briefly mention important historical moments in the development of the city, I will try to be concise :)
Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgarian: Veliko Tarnovo) known as historical capital The Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which existed for more than 200 years - from 1185 to 1396. The city lies on three hills - Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, And Sveta Gora and is practically impregnable. I think its choice as the capital was justified precisely by its location. This is one of the oldest settlements on Bulgarian soil, whose history goes back more than 5,000 years.
The city is located in northern Bulgaria, 220 km from Sofia, 220 km from Varna, 260 km from Burgas.
The city was originally known as Tarnovo. During its history, the city of Tarnovo has seen a lot: following the colossal influence and authority of Tarnovo in Eastern Europe during the Byzantine Empire, and the development of trade and crafts was followed by the capture of the city and the entire Bulgarian territory Ottoman Empire, in whose possession the territory of present-day Bulgaria remained for many centuries.
Liberated the city Russian general Joseph Gurko, thereby putting an end to the Turkish yoke, which lasted 480 years. By the way, in modern Veliko Tarnovo there is a street named after the liberator general Joseph Gurko.
It's interesting to note that first capital of Bulgaria after the proclamation of the Bulgarian Principality in 1878 it became precisely Veliko Tarnovo. Later the capital was moved to Sofia. In 1879, the first constitution of Bulgaria, known as the Tarnovo Constitution, was adopted in Veliko Tarnovo. And in 1965 the city was renamed from Tarnovo to Veliko Tarnovo to pay tribute to its rich history.
Today Veliko Tarnovo is undergoing a major reconstruction - it is being restored old town and some historical buildings. The city is the most important railway and road transport hub in Northern Bulgaria. There is a road tunnel right under the city!
In addition, Veliko Tarnovo University is located in Veliko Tarnovo. St. Cyril and Methodius, which is the second largest university in Bulgaria after Sofia University.
What to see in Veliko Tarnovo?
And now I suggest you take a walk through the sights of Veliko Tarnovo. I would like to immediately note that the city is quite scattered and hilly, so we put on comfortable shoes and hit the road.
Tsarevets Fortress (Tsarevets)- a medieval fortification on the hill of the same name within walking distance from the city center. This fortification was the main one in Veliko Tarnovo during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Entrance to the fortress is paid, it costs 6 leva (120 rubles).
A long bridge leads to the fortress (pictured on the left).
On the territory of the fortress there are plans of what the fortress looked like before.
There have been repeated warnings that visitors should not dance on the ruins :)
Be careful, they actually meet here dangerous places, where it’s better not to climb. For example, such a staircase without railings.
At the very top of the hill inside the fortress stands the residence of the patriarch.
And a few more photos of the Tsarevets fortress.
View of the city from the fortress.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that on weekends (usually) the Tsarevets fortress hosts sound and light show with fireworks. It's hard to predict when the next show will be. Some tourists are rumored to pay 500 Euros and then the show is performed at the time and day of their choice. The show was invented by the Bulgarians in collaboration with the Czechs. Also on weekends in summer, tourists can watch the changing of the guard at the Tsarevets fortress.
Monument to the Tsars-Liberators of Veliko Tarnovo - Monument to the Asens
The monument was erected in honor of the 800th anniversary of the proclamation of the city as the capital of Bulgaria. From the site where the monument is located, there is an excellent view of the city and its hills, literally strewn with houses. Personally, this monument scared me and made me think about the Soviet era...
This view of the city opens from the bridge on the approach to the monument.
Cathedral of the Nativity of Theotokos
The cathedral in the city center, designed by the famous Bulgarian architect Nikola Fichev.
In addition to these attractions, there are many parks within the city, and history buffs can go to the neighboring settlement Arbanasi, which contains 5 churches.
Where to have lunch in Veliko Tarnovo?
Restaurant Ego
Restaurant address: st. Independence 17, Veliko Tarnovo.
In this restaurant in the very center of the city, you should definitely take a table by the window and enjoy the view of the city and Tsarevets Hill. There is a menu at English. This restaurant has very tasty dishes Bulgarian cuisine and pizza at affordable prices.
Restaurant Ivan Acen
Restaurant address: st. Tsar Ivan Asen II
A restaurant serving Bulgarian cuisine, located at the foot of Tsarevets hill. Be sure to order the Sach Pileshko here ( chicken fillet, fried with mushrooms and cream sauce, brought out in a frying pan from the heat).
