Church-monument „Nativity of Christ“ – Shipchen Monastery – s. Shipka Monastery – Location on Google Maps

The Church-monument „Nativity of Christ“ is also called Shipka Monastery. It is located in the eponymous village of Shipka, situated on a large square, and the area around it has become like a park. The church is a kind of monument-convict of the Russian soldiers who gave their lives in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation. Over time, visitors have worshipped both the Russians and the Bulgarians who died during the fighting.

When we stand in front of the church, we certainly see a wonderful masterpiece of church art in its facade. 17 bells ring out the area during various celebrations. Their total weight is more than 20 tons, the largest of them weighing about 12 tons and its tongue alone is 2 tons. In comparison, the smallest weighs only 20 kg. In their casting, shell casings collected from the battle sites were used. In the arcaded galleries outside, 34 marble plaques are inscribed with the names of 8,491 officers and men-at-arms who were victims of the battles.

Inside the monument we can see the exquisite frescoes that decorate the entire building. Its painting was carried out in two stages. The first was in 1902 and was carried out by professors G. Mesoedov and A. Mitov. Between 1957 and 1959 was the second stage, headed by N. Rostovtsev. We cannot fail to be impressed by the beautiful iconostasis, carved from lime wood and fully gilded. Most of the icons and church furnishings were donated by the Monastery of St. Nicholas. Panteleimon in Mount Athos. And since the temple was designed as a memorial to the fallen Russian soldiers, a crypt was built underneath. In it lie 17 sarcophagi that preserve their remains. The approximate number of those buried is 18 thousand.

Shipka Monument – Location on Google Maps

„Shipka“ is the monument of freedom of Bulgaria. It is a majestic monumental sculpture erected on St. Nicholas Peak in the Balkan Mountains to celebrate the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule. It was built to commemorate the feat of those who fell for freedom during the epic battles on Mount Shipka, which were the critical point of the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation and decided its outcome.

The Shipka epic is a series of extremely fierce battles that took place in the summer of 1877 between the Central Turkish army of Suleiman Pasha and the Russian troops, on whose side fought also several thousand Bulgarian volunteers. The battles were fought in the Shipka Pass and in the Shipka mountain, where the defending Russian-Bulgarian units took up positions on the steep peaks of St. Nicholas, Shipka and Eagle's Nest. The inaccessible terrain was a great handicap for the attackers, but the numerical superiority of the Ottoman hordes was overwhelming, and both sides suffered extremely heavy losses in these battles. Where the Russo-Bulgarian troops ran out of ammunition and shells, fierce hand-to-hand fighting ensued, with the defending troops pouring waterfalls of stones, carts, cannon and chests on the crawling enemies. Finally, when all the objects run out, they start throwing down the corpses of their slain comrades. This is one of the iconic circumstances this battle is known for – even the bodies of the slain, though already dead, continue to knock enemies towards the precipice.

Despite the extremely bloody price that the defenders had to pay, they held off the enemy offensive to the last and thus thwarted Suleiman Pasha's plan to advance into Northern Bulgaria, tearing the Russian forces in two by coming up behind them and joining forces with Mehmed Pasha and Osman Pasha to defeat the Russians. And finally the preserved Shipka also played the role of an open door through which the Russian troops entered Thrace and headed for Constantinople, forcing the Ottoman Empire to capitulate.

The construction of the monument was carried out between 1926 and 1930, and its inauguration was held personally by Tsar Boris III on 26 August 1934. It was laid at an altitude of 1326 m, and the height of the sculpture itself is 31.5 m. Above the entrance to the tower stands a huge brass lion 8 by 4 m and weighing about 12 tons, and on the other sides of the tower are inscribed the places of the major battles – Shipka, Stara Zagora, Sheinovo. A female figure represents the victory over the Turkish troops. On the ground floor of the monument stands a large marble sarcophagus, which holds the remains of the bones of the Russian soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers. Above it there are 4 more floors, on which some copies of Bulgarian battle flags and other relics are placed. At the top of the tower there is a wonderful panorama of the Shipka peak and the surrounding area. There is an asphalt road and a stone staircase to the monument and every year on March 3 thousands of Bulgarians flock there to celebrate the anniversary of the liberation.

Tsarevets – Location on Google Maps

Tsarevets Fortress is the most impressive and visited landmark in Tarnovgrad. After Tarnovo was proclaimed the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in 1185, Tsarevets became home to the aristocracy and its main stronghold.

Baldwin's Tower on Tsarevets – Location on Google Maps

Part of the fortress is also the famous Baldwin's Tower, named after the Latin Emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who was captured in the Battle of Adrianople in 1205 by Tsar Kaloyan. According to legend, Baldwin was captured and imprisoned in this tower, where he later died.

The Patriarchate and the Palace – Location on Google Maps

The beautiful tower rising on the highest hill of Tsarevets is the building of the Patriarchate.

The building was destroyed during the capture of the fortress in the summer of 1393 by the troops of Sultan Bayazid I.

It was not until 1981 that the Patriarchal Church was restored and completed to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian state. The interesting frescoes are the work of the artist Teofan Sokerov and were completed in 1985. At the back of the building is a panoramic elevator that leads to the highest part of the Patriarchate. Taking the elevator is separate from the entrance ticket and costs 2 BGN, and the view from the top is definitely worth it.

Lunch and Walk: Tryavna – Location on Google Maps

Tryavna (Tryavna) is located Central Bulgaria, it is situated in the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains, in the valley of the Trevna River. The town originated in the second half of the 12th century with the name „Trnava“. Tryavna – a centre of wood carving, icon painting and unique architecture – is a museum in itself. The houses, churches and streets with fountains, the square with the Clock Tower have preserved the look and spirit of the Renaissance. Visitors to the town can enjoy the uniqueness of the Trevno school of art and the beautiful nature. Interesting sights in the town are. The „House of the Slaves“, the „House of the Slaves“, the „Church of the Slaves“, the „Church of the Archangel Michael“.

Lunch Spot: Tryavna Beer House Luc's – Location on Google Maps

Etar – Location on Google Maps

The Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum „Etar“ in Gabrovo was opened in 1964 on the idea of Lazar Donkov. Its task is to research, study, preserve and promote the architecture, lifestyle, livelihood and culture of the Balkan people from the Renaissance period to the present day in the Central Balkan Mountains. The harsh climate, infertile and insufficient arable land do not contribute to the development of agriculture. However, the lush meadows, abundant water and centuries-old forests are a prerequisite for the rise of cattle breeding and craftsmanship. The Balkans' practicality, ingenuity and industriousness were the basis for the economic rise of the settlements in the Balkan Mountains. The people's wealth increased their need for education, culture and independence – religious and political. Awake in spirit and with a flair for the new, the Balkan people steadily developed crafts, laying the foundations of industry in free Bulgaria.

The life of the mountaineers, their weekdays and holidays are the subject of the exposition in the Etar Museum, where several thematic sectors are separated:

The collection of operating water-powered structures – the only one in Bulgaria – is located on the right bank of the Sivek River. It includes two mills, different in the way of propulsion, a wire mill, two rolling mills, a bullfighting mill, a gaitanjis odaya, two lathes – for mortars and barrels, and a sharpening mill.

The ensemble „Craftsman's Charshchia“ represents a main town street from the 18th-19th centuries with working craftsmen's workshops, dwellings above them, a café, and a trading shop.

Buildings and objects with public and cult purpose – clock tower, bridges, fountains, church with school, Godfather inn, tavern.

The traditional livelihood activities of the Balkan people – cattle breeding and fruit growing are represented by a dairy, a canal smokehouse and a plum dryer.

Here, among the Balkan wilderness and the murmuring of the river, beautiful Bulgarian houses are nestled and the skilful hands of master craftsmen create beauty. In the museum, preserving the „spirit of Bulgaria“, the visitor relives the past, getting acquainted with the architecture and crafts, the techniques and technologies of the Bulgarians of old. It is the living link to the Bulgarian roots.

Sokol Monastery – Location on Google Maps

Sokol Monastery „Assumption of the Virgin Mary“, located along the upper reaches of the Yantra River. It seems to be perched high among the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

1. The monastery was founded by Archimandrite Joseph, who in 1833 came to this place from the Troyan monastery. Later he became known as the Uniate Archbishop Joseph of Sokol.

2. Today's large temple of the Sokol Monastery was built with the funds and help of the people from the nearby villages.

3. In the monastery are kept the icons „Jesus Christ“ and the miraculous „Holy Virgin and Child“, painted by Zachary Zograf himself.

4. In 1836, a cell school was opened in the monastery, and later it became an educational centre where Neofit Bozveli himself taught.

5. Here the detachment of Captain Diado Nikola consecrates its flag and I hope the monastery will become the center of the prepared uprising, conceived even before the great detachments and the April epic. In his memory, a plaque is placed with the words, „I am ringing a bell that will become a bell in time…“

6. During the April Uprising, in 1876, from the monastery left the troop of the war leader Tsanko Dyustabanov. Days later, it was defeated and eight of its members were hanged on the rocks near the monastery.

7. Legend has it that in memory of the fallen Chetniks, a unique white stone fountain with eight spouts with falcons was built in the yard of the monastery. It is believed that it was built by master Kolyu Ficheto.

8. From its foundation until the middle of the 20th century, the Sokol Monastery was a male monastery with more than 100 monks. Today it is a monastery for girls.

9. In the chapel of St. Pantaleimon, in the courtyard of the monastery, there is a rock from which healing water is believed to spring. In its crevices, some people place foxes with wishes and requests that St. Pantaleimon help them come true.

10. In the monastery there is a museum collection, which contains exhibits related to the cultural history and national liberation struggles in this region. You can also see objects belonging to the Apostle of Bulgarian freedom Vasil Levski, who took refuge in the monastery.

Lovech – Location on Google Maps

The covered bridge in the town of Lovech is one of the town symbols and one of the most often visited local landmarks.
At the end of the 19th century, the residents of Lovech contacted the self-educated builder Kolyu Ficheto with the request to build a covered bridge with shops. He started the construction in 1874 and completed it in the winter of 1876.
The bridge was 10 meters high and 84 meters long. Its foundations were made of stone, and the rest of it – of wood. 64 workshops and commercial shops were situated along it. They were servicing a large part of the residents of Lovech and the nearby villages. The covered bridge was decorated by four sculpture figures – a lion, a two-headed eagle, a female bust, and a stick with a mace. Nowadays only the figure of a lion is preserved.
In August 1925 fire destroyed the bridge. A new covered bridge made of reinforced concrete was built in the period 1927 – 1931. Later it was reconstructed so it can look as close as possible to the original bridge of Kolyu Ficheto.
The covered bridge connects the new part of the town with the old part – an architectural and historical reservation “Varosha”, where the museum of Vasil Levski and the Ethnographic Museum are situated.
Little shops, a cafeteria and a pastry shop are situated along it. A beautiful view towards the river and the town opens from this place.
The covered bridge is a popular place among tourists, and souvenirs from Lovech can be bought from its shops. The bridge above the Osam river is also the only covered bridge on the Balkan Peninsula.
Upon a preliminary call, employees from the Municipal Tourist Information Center in Lovech organize guided tours in the town and the nearby landmarks with a tour guide. The price is subject to negotiations and depends on the number of people in the group.

The Troyan Monastery – Location on Google Maps

The Troyan Monastery as a monastery complex is the third in size in Bulgaria, a remarkable monument of culture of national significance. It is situated in the beautiful valley of the river Cherni Osam, 10 km south from the town of Troyan.
According to the historical documents, the monastery was first founded in 1600 and reconstructed in the period 1830 – 1865 in its present look. As an architectural style of the buildings, it is associated with the School of Revival.
The most significant architectural and cultural monument is the main church “The Assumption of Virgin Mary”, which was built in the period 1835-1837 by the master Konstantin of the village of Peshtera, Kyustendil region, at the place of an older church.
The church is with a cross dome, it is massive, built by stones with belts of two lines of bricks. The interior and the exterior of the church are painted in frescos by Zahari Zograf of the Samokov School. The wall-paintings in the church are a rich gallery of the art of Zahari Zograf (1810 – 1853), a top of his art. Along with the presented Bible scenes, he had left a wonderful self-portrait, portraits of donors, the images of St. Cyril and St. Methodius, images of Bulgarian patriarchs and tsars, saints, and for the first time Bulgarian saints were depicted. The walls of the temple are divided into 360 fields, in which various scenes and images are painted. The Bulgarian fine arts do not know such wealth and variation of themes and plots from the Age of Revival (18th – 19th century).
The iconostasis, placed in the naos of the church, was carved in 1839 and is a model of the Tryavna Wood-carving School.
The church was declared a monument of culture in the State Gazette, issue 69/1927 and issue 100/1969.
Similarly to other Bulgarian monasteries, this one also has its own miraculous icon, which arrived in the holy monastery during the time of its creation, and is called “St. Mary Troeruchitsa” (Three-handed Virgin Mary). The icon was kept in the monastery until the 13th century, after which it was carried over to Serbia. It was returned in the monastery in the 17th century.
In 1835, the present residential buildings on the east, north, and west were built. In 1843, the buildings of the guest house were built in front of the basic monk’s yard.
In 1866, a tower unique in its concept was built. It is five-storey high. At its lowest level there is a warehouse, followed by a chapel dedicated to St. Cyril and St. Methodius, rooms, and then it ends with a belfry. The chapel was promulgated in the State Gazette, issue 101/1971.
Similarly to other monasteries, the Troyan monastery was also a shelter of the Apostle of Freedom, Vasil Levski (1837 – 1873), who formed revolutionary committees not only in Troyan, but also in the monastery itself. The secret monastery committee was composed of 80 monks and it was led by archimandrite Makarius. The cell where revolutionary strategies were discussed is preserved to the present day in its authentic look.
During the war between Russia and Turkey (1877 – 1878) the monastery complex was turned into a field hospital for the Russian warriors, and any kind of help was provided there in the war between Russia and Turkey.
The church celebration of the monastery is celebrated on 15 August, as a holy evening prayer is performed and the mantle of St. Mary is taken out – a symbol of the grave of the Mother of Christ.
The Troyan monastery offers accommodation for tourists, since the complex has also its own hotel section. It is recommended for everybody who wishes to spend the night in the monastery to check if this is possible at least one day earlier because the interest is high and it is possible to be fully occupied. There are catering establishments nearby, in which the traditional Troyan foods and drinks can be tasted.
Christenings and weddings are performed in the monastery with preliminary reservation of a date and time.
There are a few shops in the complex, where information materials and souvenirs are sold.

Church-monument „Nativity of Christ“ – Shipchen Monastery – s. Shipka – Location on Google Maps

The Church-monument „Nativity of Christ“ is also called Shipka Monastery. It is located in the eponymous village of Shipka, situated on a large square, and the area around it has become like a park. The church is a kind of monument-convict of the Russian soldiers who gave their lives in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation. Over time, visitors have worshipped both the Russians and the Bulgarians who died during the fighting.

When we stand in front of the church, we certainly see a wonderful masterpiece of church art in its facade. 17 bells ring out the area during various celebrations. Their total weight is more than 20 tons, the largest of them weighing about 12 tons and its tongue alone is 2 tons. In comparison, the smallest weighs only 20 kg. In their casting, shell casings collected from the battle sites were used. In the arcaded galleries outside, 34 marble plaques are inscribed with the names of 8,491 officers and men-at-arms who were victims of the battles.

Inside the monument we can see the exquisite frescoes that decorate the entire building. Its painting was carried out in two stages. The first was in 1902 and was carried out by professors G. Mesoedov and A. Mitov. Between 1957 and 1959 was the second stage, headed by N. Rostovtsev. We cannot fail to be impressed by the beautiful iconostasis, carved from lime wood and fully gilded. Most of the icons and church furnishings were donated by the Monastery of St. Nicholas. Panteleimon in Mount Athos. And since the temple was designed as a memorial to the fallen Russian soldiers, a crypt was built underneath. In it lie 17 sarcophagi that preserve their remains. The approximate number of those buried is 18 thousand.

Shipka Monument – Location on Google Maps

„Shipka“ is the monument of freedom of Bulgaria. It is a majestic monumental sculpture erected on St. Nicholas Peak in the Balkan Mountains to celebrate the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule. It was built to commemorate the feat of those who fell for freedom during the epic battles on Mount Shipka, which were the critical point of the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation and decided its outcome.

 The Shipka epic is a series of extremely fierce battles that took place in the summer of 1877 between the Central Turkish army of Suleiman Pasha and the Russian troops, on whose side fought also several thousand Bulgarian volunteers. The battles were fought in the Shipka Pass and in the Shipka mountain, where the defending Russian-Bulgarian units took up positions on the steep peaks of St. Nicholas, Shipka and Eagle's Nest. The inaccessible terrain was a great handicap for the attackers, but the numerical superiority of the Ottoman hordes was overwhelming, and both sides suffered extremely heavy losses in these battles. Where the Russo-Bulgarian troops ran out of ammunition and shells, fierce hand-to-hand fighting ensued, with the defending troops pouring waterfalls of stones, carts, cannon and chests on the crawling enemies. Finally, when all the objects run out, they start throwing down the corpses of their slain comrades. This is one of the iconic circumstances this battle is known for – even the bodies of the slain, though already dead, continue to knock enemies towards the precipice.

Despite the extremely bloody price that the defenders had to pay, they held off the enemy offensive to the last and thus thwarted Suleiman Pasha's plan to advance into Northern Bulgaria, tearing the Russian forces in two by coming up behind them and joining forces with Mehmed Pasha and Osman Pasha to defeat the Russians. And finally the preserved Shipka also played the role of an open door through which the Russian troops entered Thrace and headed for Constantinople, forcing the Ottoman Empire to capitulate.

The construction of the monument was carried out between 1926 and 1930, and its inauguration was held personally by Tsar Boris III on 26 August 1934. It was laid at an altitude of 1326 m, and the height of the sculpture itself is 31.5 m. Above the entrance to the tower stands a huge brass lion 8 by 4 m and weighing about 12 tons, and on the other sides of the tower are inscribed the places of the major battles – Shipka, Stara Zagora, Sheinovo. A female figure represents the victory over the Turkish troops. On the ground floor of the monument stands a large marble sarcophagus, which holds the remains of the bones of the Russian soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers. Above it there are 4 more floors, on which some copies of Bulgarian battle flags and other relics are placed. At the top of the tower there is a wonderful panorama of the Shipka peak and the surrounding area. There is an asphalt road and a stone staircase to the monument and every year on March 3 thousands of Bulgarians flock there to celebrate the anniversary of the liberation.

Tsarevets Fortress – Location on Google Maps

Tsarevets Fortress is the most impressive and visited landmark in Tarnovgrad. After Tarnovo was proclaimed the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in 1185, Tsarevets became home to the aristocracy and its main stronghold.

Tsarevets – Location on Google Maps

Part of the fortress is also the famous Baldwin's Tower, named after the Latin Emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who was captured in the Battle of Adrianople in 1205 by Tsar Kaloyan. According to legend, Baldwin was captured and imprisoned in this tower, where he later died.

Tsarevets – Location on Google Maps

The beautiful tower rising on the highest hill of Tsarevets is the building of the Patriarchate.

The building was destroyed during the capture of the fortress in the summer of 1393 by the troops of Sultan Bayazid I.

It was not until 1981 that the Patriarchal Church was restored and completed in honor of the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian state. The interesting frescoes are the work of the artist Teofan Sokerov and were completed in 1985.

At the rear of the building is a panoramic elevator that leads to the highest part of the Patriarchate. Taking the elevator is separate from the entrance ticket and costs 2 BGN, and the view from the top is definitely worth it.

Tryavna – Location on Google Maps

Tryavna (Tryavna) is located Central Bulgaria, it is situated in the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains, in the valley of the Trevna River. The town originated in the second half of the 12th century with the name „Trnava“. Tryavna – a centre of wood carving, icon painting and unique architecture – is a museum in itself. The houses, churches and streets with fountains, the square with the Clock Tower have preserved the look and spirit of the Renaissance. Visitors to the town can enjoy the uniqueness of the Trevno school of art and the beautiful nature. Interesting sights in the town are. The „House of the Slaves“, the „House of the Slaves“, the „Church of the Slaves“, the „Church of the Archangel Michael“.

After a lunch break, a walk and a coffee on a plate…

Etar – Location on Google Maps

The Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum „Etar“ in Gabrovo was opened in 1964 on the idea of Lazar Donkov. Its task is to research, study, preserve and promote the architecture, lifestyle, livelihood and culture of the Balkan people from the Renaissance period to the present day in the Central Balkan Mountains. The harsh climate, infertile and insufficient arable land do not contribute to the development of agriculture. However, the lush meadows, abundant water and centuries-old forests are a prerequisite for the rise of cattle breeding and craftsmanship. The Balkans' practicality, ingenuity and industriousness were the basis for the economic rise of the settlements in the Balkan Mountains. People's need for education, culture and independence – religious and political – increased. Awake in spirit and with a flair for the new, the Balkars steadily developed crafts, laying the foundations of industry in free Bulgaria.

The life of the mountaineers, their weekdays and holidays are the subject of the exposition in the Etar Museum, where several thematic sectors are separated:

The collection of operating water-powered structures – the only one in Bulgaria – is located on the right bank of the Sivek River. It includes two mills, different in the way of propulsion, a wire mill, two rolling mills, a bullfighting mill, a gaitanjis odaya, two lathes – for mortars and barrels, and a sharpening mill.

The ensemble „Craftsman's Charshchia“ represents a main town street from the 18th-19th centuries with working craftsmen's workshops, dwellings above them, a café, and a trading shop.

Buildings and objects with public and cult purpose – clock tower, bridges, fountains, church with school, Godfather inn, tavern.

The traditional livelihood activities of the Balkan people – cattle breeding and fruit growing are represented by a dairy, a canal smokehouse and a plum dryer.

Here, among the Balkan wilderness and the murmuring of the river, beautiful Bulgarian houses are nestled and the skilful hands of master craftsmen create beauty. In the museum, preserving the „spirit of Bulgaria“, the visitor relives the past, getting acquainted with the architecture and crafts, the techniques and technologies of the Bulgarians of old. It is the living link with the Bulgarian roots.

Church „St. St. Peter and Paul Church – Location on Google Maps

Sokol Monastery „Assumption of the Virgin Mary“, located along the upper reaches of the Yantra River. It seems to be perched high among the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

1. The monastery was founded by Archimandrite Joseph, who in 1833 came to this place from the Troyan monastery. Later he became known as the Uniate Archbishop Joseph of Sokol.

2. Today's large temple of the Sokol Monastery was built with the funds and help of the people from the nearby villages.

3. In the monastery are kept the icons „Jesus Christ“ and the miraculous „Holy Virgin and Child“, painted by Zachary Zograf himself.

4. In 1836, a cell school was opened in the monastery, and later it became an educational centre where Neofit Bozveli himself taught.

5. Here the detachment of Captain Diado Nikola consecrates its flag and I hope the monastery will become the center of the prepared uprising, conceived even before the great detachments and the April epic. In his memory, a plaque is placed with the words, „I am ringing a bell that will become a bell in time…“

6. During the April Uprising, in 1876, from the monastery left the troop of the war leader Tsanko Dyustabanov. Days later, it was defeated and eight of its members were hanged on the rocks near the monastery.

7. Legend has it that in memory of the fallen Chetniks, a unique white stone fountain with eight spouts with falcons was built in the yard of the monastery. It is believed that it was built by master Kolyu Ficheto.

8. From its foundation until the middle of the 20th century, the Sokol Monastery was a male monastery with more than 100 monks. Today it is a monastery for virgins.

9. In the chapel of St. Pantaleimon, in the courtyard of the monastery, there is a rock from which healing water is believed to spring. In its crevices, some people place foxes with wishes and requests that St. Pantaleimon help them come true.

10. In the monastery there is a museum collection, which contains exhibits related to the cultural history and national liberation struggles in this region. You can also see objects belonging to the Apostle of Bulgarian freedom Vasil Levski, who took refuge in the monastery.

Tsar Asen I Square – Location on Google Maps

Audio-visual performance „Sound and Light“ – the evening of July 7 after the first route ( 22:30)

„Sound and Light“ is one of the most famous events happening in Veliko Tarnovo. Several times a year, people from all over Bulgaria (even the world) head to Tarnovo to see the impressive show with their own eyes.

„Sound and Light“ is broadcast every year on national holidays and on the holidays of the city, and the most popular places for viewing are the square in front of Tsarevets (free), from a special panoramic platform for a fee, or from the restaurant of the Yantra Hotel.

Trapezitza – Location on Google Maps

Trapezitsa is one of the three hills in Veliko Tarnovo, along with Tsarevets and St. ora. The place is a natural fortress surrounded on three sides by the river.

The excavations of the fortress began in 1879 and continue to this day. Walking along the hill, you will come across more than 20 churches that were discovered during the excavations.

You can get here on foot or by funicular, which leaves from the parking lot at Trapezitsa railway station. Note that the funicular operates only during the warm months – from May to October, and Monday is a maintenance day.

Holy Mountain – Location on Google Maps

Sveta Gora is the third hill in Veliko Tarnovo and is a park suitable for walking and sports activities.

Mini Bulgaria Park – Location on Google Maps

Just below Tsarevets is a relatively new landmark for Veliko Tarnovo, the Mini Bulgaria Park. It is here, on an area of 12.5 acres, that there are models of the most famous landmarks in Bulgaria, including the St. Alexander Nevsky Monument and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia, the Amphitheatre in Plovdiv, the Rila Monastery, the Bachkovo Monastery, and many others.

Shishmanova Banya – Location on Google Maps

The Shishman's Bath is located at the northern foot of the Tsarevets fortress, between the churches of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. On the left bank of the Yantra River, right next to the Vladika Bridge.

This is one of the few well-preserved medieval baths in Bulgaria. It is called Shishman's bath because it was supposedly built during the reign of the last king of Turnov, Ivan Shishman.

The bathroom has a total of 6 rooms – a boiler room, 4 bathing rooms and a changing room. At both ends of the boiler room were built 2 hearths. A local guide told us that water for the bath was taken from the river because there was no other source.

Visiting Shishmanova bath is completely free and I recommend you take a few minutes to explore the place.

Samovodska Charshya – Location on Google Maps

The notorious Samovodska Charshiya is two streets, along which there are shops, craft workshops and inns. The Crafts Alley was created in the 19th century to preserve old folk crafts and traditions.

The restored complex includes restored Renaissance and post-Renaissance houses from the second half of the 19th century, as well as active craft workshops – a pottery, a tannery, a shaker and a weaving shop.

Gurko Street – Location on Google Maps

Gurko Street is one of the main streets of the old town of Tarnovo, which manages to take the breath of every visitor to the town. With the beautiful houses perched on the hills, ul. „Gurko“ seems to have captured the image and spirit of Veliko Tarnovo in a unique way.

This is one of the most photogenic places in the city, and a must for any tourist.

Cathedral „St. Nativity of the Virgin Mary“ – Location on Google Maps

The cathedral is one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in Veliko Tarnovo, and was built in 1933 – 1934. The current church was built on an old one that was the work of master Kolyu Ficheto from 1842 – 1844, but unfortunately was destroyed by an earthquake in 1913.

You will notice that almost every church in Veliko Tarnovo mentions a turning point, namely the earthquake that happened in 1913. This earthquake was the cause of great destruction in the city, and many of the churches collapsed then.

Among the frescoes in the cathedral you can see several ones with historical scenes – the conversion of the Bulgarian people, the sending of St. Patriarch Evtimiy to exile and the Tarnovo Literary School of Theodosius of Tarnovo, as well as with the images of the saints brothers Cyril and Methodius and their disciples Clement, Naum, Sava, Gorazd, Angelarius.

Church „St. St. Peter and Paul Church – Location on Google Maps

The church is located at the foot of Tsarevets Hill, on the north side. The church was built in the 1330s.

During the earthquake of 1913 the church was destroyed, and in 1981 it was restored on the basis of original photographs and drawings. The extremely interesting and impressive frescoes and its architecture make it one of the remarkable Bulgarian medieval monuments.

„St. St. Peter and Paul“ is a place where we spent maybe over an hour, absorbed by the interesting historical stories of the lady who worked there. The church itself is small and can be explored quickly, but I highly recommend asking for more information right at the entrance. If there aren't many visitors, as was the case with us, there is a good chance they will pay attention and tell you about the history of the church, and the town.

Church „St. Forty Martyrs“ – Location on Google Maps

The Church of St. Forty Martyrs“ is located not far from the church „St. St. Peter and Paul Church and is a monument of culture.

The church houses some of the most significant written monuments – the Omurtag, the Asen and the Border Column from the fortress of Rodosto from the time of Khan Krum. It is believed that the kings of Bulgaria are buried here.

St. Demetrius Church – Location on Google Maps

The church is located on the right bank of the r. It is the oldest medieval church in Veliko Tarnovo. It is associated with the announcement of the uprising in 1185 against the Byzantine rule under the leadership of the boyars Peter and Asen. Here were crowned the first rulers of the Asen dynasty – Peter, Asen and Kaloyan.

Museum „Revival and Constituent Assembly“ – The building of the First National Assembly

The museum is located in the building of the konak and was built in 1872 by master Kolyu Ficheto.

Here you can touch different parts of the history of Tarnovo – from its economic development during the Renaissance, to the stages and the most important moments of the national liberation struggle of the population of this region during the Ottoman rule.

On the last third floor is restored the hall where the Constituent Assembly was held in Veliko Tarnovo in 1879, which laid the foundations for the development of modern Bulgaria.

The monument „Asenevtsi“ 

The monument „Asenevtsi“, known among the locals as the Horses, was built in 1985 and has become one of the emblems of Veliko Tarnovo.

It is dedicated to the kings Asen, Peter, Kaloyan and Ivan Asen II and represents the four kings on horses, positioned around a towering sword, which symbolizes the power and rise of medieval Bulgaria.

Monument „Mother Bulgaria“

The monument „Mother Bulgaria“ is another famous monument in Veliko Tarnovo. It is located in the centre of the town and is dedicated to the fallen warriors in 5 wars: the Russo-Turkish War (1877 – 1878), the Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885), the Balkan Wars (the First and the Second, 1912 – 1913) and the First World War.

The monument was inaugurated on 6 May 1935 and was built with funds donated by the local population of Veliko Tarnovo.

The monument of Emilian Stanev

The monument is located in front of the house-museum of Emilian Stanev and was erected in honor of the Bulgarian writer born and raised in Veliko Tarnovo.

The monument of Stefan Stambolov

The monument to Stefan Stambolov is located at the beginning of the Samovodska Charshiya and erected in honour of the notable Bulgarian revolutionary, politician, poet and journalist.