Veliko Tarnovo
Visit the historic capital Veliko Tarnovo, nestled in the heart of Bulgaria, located on the Yantra River in the Balkan Mountains, and discover the rich history of the medieval city, often referred to as the "City of the Tsars." Veliko Tarnovo's cultural heritage is a mosaic of Bulgarian traditions, arts, and folklore. Thus, when you visit Veliko Tarnovo, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique architectural styles and the beautiful landscapes around it.
The old part of Veliko Tarnovo is rising between the meanders of the Yantra River and located on three hills: Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora. During the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria. Therefore, when you visit the city, you will discover that the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors are located on Tsarevets Hill, as well as the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls.
The hill Trapezitsa is famous for the numerous churches and his role as the primary residence for the nobles during the middle ages when Veliko Tarnovo was among the main European centers of culture, literature and art. The hill known as Sveta Gora, or Holy Mountain, served as a literary and spiritual center. There were several monasteries on the hill. Among them is the monastery "St. Mother of God Hodigitria", in which Patriarch Euthymius Bulgarian founded the Tarnovo Book School. Several monasteries were located in the "Ustiet" area.
As Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396), during that period the city was quasi-cosmopolitan, with many foreign merchants and envoys. Therefore, nowadays, when you visit the city, you will have the opportunity to visit historical museums, where you will encounter beautiful ancient artifacts and intriguing archaeological excavations. However, one of the most spectacular things to be seen is the “Tsarevgrad Turnov – Sound and Light” show.
Nevertheless, surrounded by the Balkan Mountains, Veliko Tarnovo offers not just historical marvels but also natural retreats. When you visit the city, you can explore nature parks, hike to the Hotnitsa Waterfall, and embrace outdoor adventures to connect with nature. In addition, you can visit Samovodska Charshiya, which is considered the city’s craftsmanship hub, where you can discover authentic souvenirs, local delicacies and dive into the charm of traditional Bulgarian folklore.
As you wander around Veliko Tarnovo or through the cobbled streets of Arbanasi Village, you'll encounter art galleries and hidden artistic gems. When you get hungry, you will have the possibility to experience the flavors of traditional Bulgarian cuisine in Veliko Tarnovo's charming cafes and restaurants and taste the local wine. Lastly but not least, you might have the chance to participate in an exciting event or a concert, as throughout the year, there are many festivals, concerts, and exhibitions held in the historic capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo.