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Veliko Tarnovo, BulgariaSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Veliko_Tarnovo_TodorBozhinov_%284%29.JPG
Author: Todor Bozhinov
Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgarian: Велико Търново) is a city on the Yantra River in north-central Bulgaria. It is best remembered as the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and is today a tourist destination for its heritage attractions. The city has a population of 68,000 people (2011 estimate). It is the administrative, economic and culture center for Northern Bulgaria.
With a history reaching back five millenia, Veliko Tarnovo stands as among the oldest cities in Bulgaria. Although evidence of human presence is found here going back thousands of years, Veliko Tarnovo remained an insignificant settlement until the 12th century, when it grew rapidly to become the most important center of Bulgaria. With the influence of the Byzantine Empire ebbing in the 14th century, it claimed itself to be the Third Rome. The fortunes of Veliko Tarnovo continued for two hundred years until 1393, when it fell to the Ottoman Empire, bringing an end to the Second Bulgarian Empire. In the ensuing turmoil, many of its buildings, including monasteries and churches, were plundered and destroyed.
Veliko Tarnovo CathedralSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Veliko_Tarnovo_Cathedral_4.jpg
Author: MrPanyGoff
The Bulgarians staged two uprisings against the Ottomans, the first in 1598 and the second in 1686. Both were brutally quashed. Veliko Tarnovo was to remain under Ottoman rule for many centuries, until the 19th century, when the April Uprising of 1876 finally brought an end to Ottoman rule, and created the Principality of Bulgaria. Officially known as Tarnovo until 1965, it was then renamed Veliko Tarnovo, meaning Great Tarnovo, to celebrate its rich history and significance to Bulgaria.
Asenid Monument, Veliko TarnovoSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bulgarian_kings_VT.jpg
Author: Gvm
Visiting Veliko Tarnovo
There are train services linking Veliko Tarnovo with Sofia and Varna. Similarly, you can get buses to Veliko Tarnovo from all major cities in Bulgaria.
Ceiling of Patriarch's Church at Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko TarnovoSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tsarevetz_church_details.jpg
Author: Ville Miettinen
Places of Interest in Veliko Tarnovo
- Archaeological Museum
Museum exhibiting artifacts from Bulgaria's long history, with pieces indoors and out. The museum suffered a theft in 2006. The highlight is a replica of a burial known as Kaloyan's Grave, which may (or may not) be the grave of Tsar Kaloyan (1197-1207). - Asenid Monument
Monument marking the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It depicts a sword and the four rulers of the empire on horseback. - Church of Saints Kiril and Metodii
Small church in the old Varosh neighborhood, built by famous 19th century architect Kolyo Ficheto in 1860. - Church of Sveti Nikola
Church with red-tiled roof, another structure by famous 19th century architect Kolyo Ficheto, with iconostasis in its gloomy interior. - House of the Little Monkey
House built by famous 19th century architect Kolyo Ficheto in 1849. The tiny statue of a monkey gave the house its name. - Modern History Museum
Housed in a former prison, this museum documents the history of Bulgaria from the Balkan Wars until the First World War. - Museum of the National Revival and Constituent Assembly
Built by Kolyo Ficheto in 1872 for the Ottoman governor, this imposing structure housed Bulgaria's first parliament following Liberation. It displays a copy of the constitution of the new state, signed in 1879. - Sarafkina House
The quintessential Bulgarian private home of the well-to-do in the 19th century, this house was built by banker Dimitûr Sarafkina in 1861, and is today open to the public. - Samovodska Charshiya
A lively bazaar that developed during the 19th century and still going strong today. It is located in the historic Varosh neighborhood above the Old Town. - Tsarevets
Hilltop fortress overlooking the Yantra River. - Veliko Tarnovo Art Gallery
Gallery exhibiting paintings by Bulgarian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sokolsky Monastery, Veliko TarnovoSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bulgaria-Sokolski_manastir-03.jpg
Author: Infobgv
Sights & Attractions in Asenova Quarter, Veliko Tarnovo
- Church of Saint George
A small church privately funded by a couple and constructed within two months in 1616. - Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Small 13th century church. It spots scenes from the Bible on its southern wall. - Church of Sveti Dimitûr
Consecrated in 1185, this church was the base of the local revolt against Byzantine rule, leading to the founding of the Second Bulgarian Empire. - Church of the Dormition
Church dedicated to the Virgin. it was erected over a 14th century nunnery in 1923. - Church of the Forty Martyrs
Church built in 1230 to commemorate the victory of Tsar Ivan Asen II over the Byzantines at Klokotnitsa.
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