As one of the earliest cities in Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo is steeped in five thousand years of history. This tiny, attractive city is residence to one of Europe’s grandest middle ages monoliths, the Tsaravets Citadel.
If you have never been to Bulgaria before, this is certainly among the country’s must-see locations. What Veliko Tarnovo does not have in beach hotels and high-end shopping, it greater than makes up in credibility and beauty.
Veliko Tarnovo was built on three hills: Tsaravets, Trapezitsa, and also Sveta Gora. Its appealing landscape has the Yantra River going through it. Extremely warm summertimes and also freezing wintertimes make springtime and autumn make it the best time to visit. Besides Tsaravets Citadel, Veliko Tarnovo consists of several churches, galleries, and a lovely old town paved with cobblestones. While three to four days could be enough to visit, Veliko Tarnovo, luckily, there are loads of great restaurants as well as hotel choices. History buffs and also wine lovers will certainly enjoy all the possibilities that this city has to offer. The close by village of Arbanassi makes for the perfect tranquil weekend break escape. Other choices consist of trips to the ancient ruins of the Roman city Nikopolis ad Istrum and also the charming Maryan boutique vineyard.
It is relatively simple to get around Veliko Tarnovo; almost every little thing is in strolling distance or a brief taxi drive away. The city is serviced by several roadways, a nearby airport terminal, as well as it lies 142 miles from the city of Sofia.
Quick History
Historical proof suggests that people occupied this area from as early as the 3rd millennium B.C. The city was proclaimed the capital of the Second Bulgarian Realm in 1185 after two local brothers, Ivan Assen and also Theodor-Petar, led a two-year uprising. During that time, the city was known as Turnovgrad. Under the Assen empire, Turnovgrad quickly established itself as the strongest Bulgarian fortification and most prosperous city during the second half of the High and the Late Middle Ages and also the most important political, economic, cultural and religious centre of the empire, in the 14th century. Among these are the Tsaravets Citadel. During this Golden era of success, over 30 monasteries sprung up on Sveta Gora Hill and the city becomes an economic as well as social hub. Together with the rest of the Balkans, Turnovgrad ultimately came under the hands of the Ottoman Turks in 1393, where it remained for almost 500 years. Bulgaria was ultimately liberated in 1877 and Veliko Tarnovo became the capital city of the newly developed independent state. The title did not last long. Sofia was re-named the capital 2 years later. Turnovgrad was relabelled Veliko Tarnovo in 1966.
The best place to begin your visit is the Tourist Information Centre in the main square near the post office. It is open seven days a week April to October, and Monday to Friday in November to March. There you’ll have access to pamphlets, maps, postcards, and local staff that can answer any of your inquiries. After obtaining the info you require, the first thing you need to do is to go discover the highlight of the city, Tsaravets Citadel. The citadel is surrounded with 3,000 feet of stone walls, some of which are as thick as over 11 feet and also a height of 36 feet. When you enter by the major entrance, it is very easy to explore the citadel on foot. There’s a mild slope and also path, however visitors are free to stroll anywhere and also climb anything they like.
Head to the top of capital if you want to see the dramatic modernist murals in the Church of the Rising. You can ride the scenic lift to the top for panoramic sights. Just below the church, on a lower level, you’ll see Baldwin Tower. Legend has it that this is where Matter Baldwin of Flanders was put behind bars by Tsar Kaloyan in the year 1205. Here there is a barbecue area with a refreshment stand. There are also public toilets and a lots of shade from which to take a moment to admire the lovely view of the city below. Go to Tsaravets as early as possible to avoid the mid-day heat, unless you’re English of course :-). The ticket office is located near the main etrance to the citadel. Tsaravets Citadel is open 08:00 to 19:00 April to October and 09:00 to 17:00 November to March.
Some Tips: Bring excellent walking footwear, a hat for shade, and also plenty of water.
On the nights of national holiday and Veliko Tarnovo Day (March 22), the city puts on a remarkable audio as well as light show over the citadel. To see it at its best you should either be on a terrace with a straight view of the fortress or acquire tickets to see the program from a marked viewing deck. The very best place to obtain info about program dates is at the Tourist Information Centre.
The Old Town is the perfect place for strolling, particularly Samovodskata Charshia. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, this was where craftsmens and farmers from the close-by town of Samovodene came on market days to sell their products. In the 1980s the city revamped the location to recreate the atmosphere of the early 20th century. Samovodskata Charshia still contains several recovered Resurgence structures (the Bulgarian National Resurgence period was a cultural movement by Bulgarians to restore their identification from the Ottomans).
Amongst the city’s museums, the Archaeological Museum and also the Hadji Nikoli Inn Gallery are 2 worth seeing. The Historical Museum covers the region’s history from ancient times via the Middle Ages. The highlight of the gallery is among the oldest gold prizes on the planet dating back to the fourth millennium B.C. Like the one found near Varna, this treasure predates Egyptian and also Sumerian worlds!
The Hadji Nikoli Inn Gallery is situated inside the 19th century house of wealthy regional tradesman, Hadji Nikoli. It is a lovely piece of Bulgarian Rebirth architecture and the only enduring inn from that duration. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 20:00 (closed Mondays).
The Assens Monument can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Nicknamed the “horsemen sculpture,” it includes the Bulgarian Tsars, Ivan Assen, Theodor-Petar, Kaloyan, and also Assen. The statue, which was erected 800 years after the city was appointed resources of the Second Bulgarian Realm, memorializes the tsars for their tributes to the city. The walk leading up to the monument is frequently inhabited by local artists making use of the scenic setup as ideas for their nest work. From the monument, you’ll enjoy attractive views of the old town. You can access the monolith on foot using the Stambolov Bridge.
In the river valley of Tsaravets Hillside is the city’s most substantial spiritual structure. The Holy 40 Martyrs Church is atleast a 20 minute stroll from the old town. The church was erected in 1230 to commemorate a vital triumph over the Byzantines. It was also the place where Prince Ferdinand I declared the freedom of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Realm on September 22, 1908. The church was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1913 however was restored recently. The church stores crucial historic records and also the remains of several tsars from the Middle Ages consisting of Kaloyan, Ivan Assen I, and also his wife Anna Maria.
What To Do in Veliko Tarnovo
Take the Free Walking Tour as you’ll get the layout of the city as well as see most of the main attractions. That way you can go back and soend more time in the sites that interest you the most. The walk can last around 2.5 hours, which is quite long, but is worth it if you can do it. You can catch the tour outside the Tourist Information Centre.
At the Assens Monument grab a drink and catch the Sunset.
You must try some Traditional Bulgarian food at the many restaurants and get a drink from the many bars while you wind down for the evening.
There’s plenty of Free museums to visit (check days closed) and many places just outside VT where you can hike, swim and get plenty of fresh air.
There’s so much to see and do in VT, and if you have transport even more just outside the city. It’s such a beautiful cliffside city that mustn’t be missed. You’ll see so much history, stunning scenery and a place to relax and chill.