Veliko Tarnovo
One of the first views that greets you when arriving in Veliko Tarnovo is the magnificent view over the town and the Tsarevets Hill fortress.
Veliko Tarnovo, the original capital of Bulgaria, is situated on the northern foothills of the Stara Planina mountain, 241 kms from Sofia, 228 kms from Varna and 192 kms from Plovdiv. Veliko Tarnovo is best explored on foot as many of the roads are pedestrianised during certain times of the day, allowing visitors to stroll around the town in safety.
The streets of the old town of Veliko Tarnovo, offer old house with traditional architecture, cobbled back streets with lovely cafes and shops, museums, traditional arts and crafts, churches and monasteries plus many landmarks.
Places to See
Here is a list of some of the interesting places to visit in Veliko Tarnovo
Tsaverets hill and castle fortress.
Church of “St. Dimitar”
Church of “Apostles Peter and Paul”
Church of “St. George”
Church of “The Assumption of the Holy Virgin”.
Cathedral church “The Birth of the Holy Virgin”
The Museum of the national Revival and the National Assembly
The “Sarafkina House” Museum
The House of Konstantsalievs
Archeological Museum “Veliko Turnovo – the capital of Bulgaria ХII – ХIV century”
The Ethnographic Museum
The Prison Museum
Theatre of Drama and Music
The Monument of Assens
Vladishki Most (Bishop’s Bridge)
Samovodska Charshia – traditional crafts work shops, souvenir shops and art galleries
Another ‘must see’ of Veliko Tarnovo is the Sound and Light show. The show was created by Bulgarian and Czech specialists aiming to create and unforgettable image of Tsaverets Hill and Castle, explaining the history and glory of the old city.
As well as Veliko Tarnovo having a fascinating history, it has also developed into a modern town. Bulgaria’s second largest University is here, students attending from all over Bulgaria. There is nightlife for everyone, from back street traditional restaurants and cafes to vibrant bars and nightclubs.
In September 2006, the first mall out of Sofia was opened, housing many shops with leading Bulgarian and International brands. The Retail centre has two surface parking areas and underground parking, providing 315 car places, supermarket, pharmacy, bank branch, kid’s corner, cozy café, pizzeria, household and consumer electronic goods, clothes, shoes, jewelry, lingerie, accessories, offices of the three mobile operators, furniture, photo studio. There are also smaller shopping centres, fresh fruit and veg markets and large supermarkets. For the more traditional souvenir craft shops, art galleries and studios, visit the old town.
Veliko Tarnovo has many traditions and events. For more information, please visit the following links:
Also worth visiting are Tryavna, Dryanovo, Arbanassi and Gabrovo.
Some of the photographs have been provided by Nenko Lazarov, Peter Georgiev and Plamen Petkov.
