If you travel around Bulgaria you will see many wonderful places such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Nessebar, Sozopol, etc. But one town really stands out and attracts many tourists from all around the world – Veliko Turnovo. Often referred as “the heart of Bulgaria” because of its central location and historical significance, Veliko Turnovo is a destination you can’t miss while you are in the country.
The town is situated in north central Bulgaria in a mountainous area which is one of the main reasons for its charm and historical significance. After the end of the Byzantine domination in the country which continued for 167 years, Veliko Turnovo was declared a capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This gave the city a fast architectural, cultural and intellectual development.
One of the iconic places in Veliko Turnovo, and a symbol of the city, is the medieval Tsarevets fortress. Situated on a strategic place – on a high heel and surrounded by Yantra river, the fortress is overlooking the modern part of the city. Tsarevets was a real medieval town with a palace, church, many residential and economic buildings, battle towers. All of them are well preserved or restored and can be seen in present days.
On different national holidays through the year Tsarevets attracts hundreds visitors for the unique Sound and Light audiovisual show. The show starts at dawn and with hundreds colored lights, dramatic music and church bells it represent key moments from the history of the country. Without a doubt visiting Tsarevets is a unique way to get to know Bulgaria’s past.
Another iconic site in the city is “Forty Holy Martyrs” Church just a few meters away from the Fortress. Here, in 1908 Tsar Ferdinand declared the complete independence of Bulgaria. The church was transformed into a Muslim mosque during the Ottoman rule which save it from demolition. Today the Church functions as a museum.
A must-do in Veliko Turnovo today is walking through the craft street in the old town called Samovodska Charshia. There you can see a market street with crafts workshops, galleries and souvenir shops. Other interesting tourist attractions include the Asen monument, local museums and the modern Multimedia visitor centre “Tsarevgrad Tarnov” where key historical moments from the Second Bulgarian Empire are presented.
