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 VELIKO TARNOVO is one of the most ancient Bulgarian towns. The picturesque situation and panoramic views that the town enjoys plus its rich historical heritage means that Veliko Tarnovo has become one of the most significant historical and cultural tourist centres in contemporary Bulgaria. |
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The medieval Town of Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria during the 12th-14th centuries and included the castles situated on the Tzarevetz, the Trapezitza, the Momina Krepost and the Sveta Gora Hills and the outer suburb with the main medieval fortress erected on Tzarevetz Hill. |
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There are two main architectural features in the town centre, the King's Palace and the Patriarchal Church. The most important part of the outer town, called the New Town (the present Assenov Quarter) was built in the 13th century along the two banks of the Yantra River between the hills of Tzarevetz and Trapezitza. |  |
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Today, too, this unusual city, whose stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep bank of the Yantra river, is dominated by Tsarevets Hill with its solid fortress walls, royal palaces, patriarchal church and Baudouin's Tower. On Trapezitsa Hill the foundations of 17 mediaeval churches were discovered at the turn of the century, but at present only the restored St. Demetrius of Thessalonika and St. Peter and Paul churches are open to visit. A stroll along old Gurko Street in the Samodivene Market, a crafts and trade centre, will give you a feel of the atmosphere of the Bulgarian national Revival period. A visit to the exhibitions of the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum reveals the museum town's rich history. In the magnificent countryside surrounding this glorious city there are many places of interest such as the Dryanovo Monastery built in the 12th century, the monastery is situated in the Dryanovo river gorge, just 25 km south of Veliko Turnovo. Memorabilia and relics from the dramatic events during the 1876 April Uprising are kept in the monastery museum. |
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| Just 50 km south of Veliko Turnovo you will discover the Etura Architectural & Ethographic Reserve, a living hub of the Bulgarian Revival period. The outdoor museum resembles an old artisan street, where skilled craftsmen fashion unique objects out of copper, wood, iron, wool, clay, leather and silver. A trip to the famous Valley of Roses, located 96 km south, when the roses are in full bloom from late May to late June, is a must. Visit a rose distillery in Koulata ethnographic complex. Sample original and tasty rose products: rose jam, rose brandy and Roza liqueur. Visit the Museum of the Rose to acquaint yourself with the history of rose oil production in Bulgaria. |
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The world famous Veliko Tarnovo Performance of Sound and Light with the Tsarevets Fortress as its natural backdrop is a breathtaking and unique experience which attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. |
