Skype us!
Our nick:
vtbulgaria
|
|
Once you've been to Veliko Tarnovo, your heart is forever captured by its magical beauty and splendour. Finally, you become an inseparable part of its magnificence and eternity. This is a place on Earth where the future meets the past to build the present. This town went through many centuries of tragedy as well as of glory. The air is filled with the breath of many national heroes and legendary men. When you walk around you can feel the holly atmosphere and the energy of a place like this…
"Lake Keowee Real Estate" Escape to the glassy waters of Lake Keowee in Upstate South Carolina.
Dubai Real Estate Clifton Real Estate Consultants, your most reliable property specialist in Dubai.
London
flats to rent Find or advertise flats and properties to let in London
and UK.
SIGHTS OF THE TOWN 
If you should happen to visit this unusual city, whose stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep bank of the Yantra river, you will first be taken to see Tzarevets - the place of the patriarchal church and royal palaces, the hill where Bauldouin's Tower still rises, linked with the legend of the Latin Emperor Bauldouin of Flanders, who was captured by Tzar Kaloyan.
Then you will be shown another hill: Trapezitsa - where
the foundations of 17 mediaeval churches were discovered. It has preserved
colorful murals and architectural silhouettes from different ages for
generations, and left us to ponder the eternal wisdom, chiselled into the column
of Khan Omourtag: "Man, no matter how well he lives, dies and another is
born...".
Don’t miss the chance to stop at the Cathedral church
“The Birth of the Holy Virgin” – the biggest active church in
the city, as well as the museum of The Bulgarian Revival and the Constituent
Assembly, located at the old “Konak” (Turkish municipal building), built by
master Nikola Fichev. This is also the building where the Tarnovo Constitution
was made in 1879.
You will marvel and enthuse over the Bulgarian National Revival period architectural ensembles on Gurko Street, the old Nikola Inn and the St. Constantine and St. Helena Church. A visit to the exhibitions of the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum reveals the museum town's rich history.
Another part of the old town from the same
period is “Varosha”. There you’ll find the
“Samovodska
Charshia”
the old traditions connected with this part of the
Revival period town, and the wish to revive the national crafts as part of the
Bulgarian artistic heritage led to the idea of restoring the craftsmen's market
place. Today it is a living museum in Veliko Tarnovo. Also you will find the
“St. Nicolas” and “St.St. Cyril and Methodius” Churches, and from the highest
points of the quarter you can witness a breathtaking view towards the whole city.
The monument of the Assens, is situated on a beautiful terrace above the curb of the Yantra River and offers a magnificent view of the old town with its unique architecture and lay-out of the town. IT was built in honor of the 800th anniversary from the proclamation of Tarnovo as the capital of Bulgaria. It is the most prominent monument in the city, and near it the StambolovBridge and State Art Gallery are located.
While you’re at Veliko Tarnovo, don’t miss the chance to
witness the unique
audio-visual
show “Sound and Light”. You can only find similar shows at few other around the
world. Through the power of music and spectacular illumination, this programme
aims to create an unforgettable and emotional image of the Tsarevets Hill and
Castle treasuring up the history, grandeur and glory of the ancient capital city
of Turnovgrad which has become synonymous with the Bulgarian spirit and national
pride.
The very first sounds will take you to an unreal world, far
back into the centuries when these lands were inhabited by Thracians, Slavs and
proto-Bulgarians. The music theme evokes thoughts about the creation of the
Bulgarian State in 681, the struggles for its consolidation and the peaceful
constructive labour of the freedom-loving Bulgarian people.
Gradually, the rhythm intensifies and new themes are introduced to symbolize the invasions of one enemy or another, the most painful one being the Byzantine invasion in 1018. The motherland falls under the oppressive five-century slavery but the national spirit and self-awareness are preserved. All of a sudden you hear the sweet voice of the wooden flute bursting through the chaotic sounds of slavery and people's hardship and expressing the innermost dreams of freedom. A call to arms arises and the people revolt but liberty is not easy to achieve. It comes with the bayonets of the Russian armies and Bulgarian volunteers. Bathed in sunshine and delight Turnovgrad meets the liberators. Festive bells toll in praise of the liberated city.
This is the beginning of a new future of Turnovgrad which will witness other battles and victories but it will advance with confidence to reach today's progress. The song "Many Happy Returns" performed by a choir seems to come from the hill burning in red flames and it praises the glory of the Bulgarian people. This spectacle is not a reconstruction of the past but it is its interpretation and bridge to the present and the future.
VELIKO TARNOVO OUT OF TOWN
If you have the time to spare, we recommend:
Arbanassi Village 
This is your chance to immerse yourself in an atmosphere, preserving the Bulgarian National Revival spirit and traditions. It is a picturesque open-air museum of cultural heritage, which includes 80 houses, 5 churches and numerous monasteries all keepers of Bulgarian spirit and tradition through the centuries still have traces of bygone grandeur, original architecture, valuable wall-paintings, ancient icons, exquisite fretwork and rare manuscripts. . The oldest of Arbanassi's five churches is The Birth of Christ (1637 - 1649), dug into the ground without a belfry and with hidden cupolas, but hiding a genuine art gallery with over 3,500 stunningly realistic figures and Biblical scenes, painted by unknown artists throughout the ages. With its location in the vicinity of the medieval Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo, with its unique tradition in architecture and specific Aegean climate, Arbanassi is the perfect place for your holiday. Apart from unique experience, it promises you tranquility, comfort and relaxation.
Transfiguration Monastery
The
masterpriece of another age, of other principles in architecture and art, is the
Transfiguration Monastery, erected 7 km from Veliko Tarnovo in one of the
pictureque gorges of the Yantra River. A world of much sun and vivacity greets
up here. It was burned to the ground when the capital of the Second Bulgarian
State was taken; centuries had pass before life was reinstated here, on the top
of the ruins. The monastery started its second existence only in 1825.
Kapinovo Monastery
The
church of the Kapinovo Monastery, near the town of Elena, features an
inscription of the year of its foundation on the cornice above the altar: 1272,
under Constantine the Quiet's rule. Following repeated destructions and
restorations of the monastery, the church was built in 1835 by two self-taught
masters from Dryanovo.
Dryanovo Monastery
Built in the 12th century, the monastery is situated in the Dryanovo river gorge, just 25 km south of Veliko Tarnovo. In existence as early as in the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, it was subsequently destroyed and re-built on two occasions. It was restored in its present location - in the Dryanovo River gorge, 4 km away from the town of Dryanovo - in 1845. During the 1876 April Uprising an armed detachment of 200 men who, pursued by the enemy, found shelter behind the walls of Dryanovo Monastery. Throughout nine days, they engaged in fierce battle before being crushed: the insurgents and monks were killed, the monastery burned to the ground. Relics of the April epopee are preserved in the monastery museum today, along with some valuable icons.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The region around Veliko Tarnovo boasts many attractive landscapes and scenic landmarks. The appearance of the city’s immediate surroundings is shaped by deep valleys flanked by steep limestone rocks, making it Bulgaria’s premier spot for rock climbing. In addition to the numerous rock climbing routes, there are remarkable trails, such as the “Negovanka” eco-trail (in the village of Emen), “Preobrajenska” eco-trail just a few kilometers outside of the city, eco-trails to the village of Arbanassi, Dryanovo monastery’s eco-trail and many more, which will take you to scenic sights such as caves, narrow gorges, waterfalls and spectacular lookout points.
The
region of Veliko Tarnovo is also quite popular for mountain biking, as well as
horseback riding. Near the village of Arbanassi you can find excellent riding
grounds, as well as many streams, rivers and lakes perfect for swimming and
fishing.
NIGHT LIFE
In addition to the fascinating history behind Veliko
Tarnovo, one of its most remarkable aspects is its progressive, modern
nightlife. Because Veliko Tarnovo has the second largest university in the
country, the streets are filled with young people and there
is a
very modern, upbeat
feeling that fills the air. You can
find many delicious restaurants and cafes offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine
as well as a variety of foods from all over the world. After a fulfilling meal,
head down to one of the many clubs or bars, offering a variety of atmospheres.
You can find any kind of environment from a loud hard rock bar to a relaxing
quiet piano bar. Veliko Tarnovo offers anything you could ever want to fulfill
any mood.
SHOPPING
Whether you're shopping in need or shopping for fun, Veliko Tarnovo has plenty for you! From the small and locally-owned shops, to the big supermarkets and shopping centres, the city has everything you could ever want and more, with every shop producing their own style and mood. The city centre is the main shopping area which includes the streets "Vasil Levski" and "Nezavisimost".
If you're looking for the freshest and tastiest fruit and vegetables, the city market located at the corner of the streets "Nikola Gabrovski" and "Bulgaria" is the place for you. At the back of the market you'll find the CBA supermarket which will satisfy anyone's needs."Magro market" is the other supermarket along "Vasil Levski" street and various other food stores are also available in that area.
"Europe" Trade Centre is a great stop on your shopping trip. Located at "Nezavisimost" street, the modern centre is a popular choice for its plentiful number of shops with a wide range of products and nice quaint spots for a coffee break.