Veliko Tarnovo

tarnovo

Capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (11th- 14th century) with more than 7 000 years of history.
Unique architectural style – the houses, stacked above each other on the rolling hills, create a feeling of warmth and cosiness;
Tsarevets, the inescapable symbol of this proud medieval town, served as the Second Bulgarian Empire’s primary fortress and is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved monuments. It features remains of more than 400 houses, 18 churches and numerous monasteries, dwellings, shops, gates and towers;
The ‘Sound and Light’ show – spectacular show of dramatic music, multicolour laser lights and chiming bells synchronized in an unique way to depict the tumultuous history of Bulgaria and the dramatic and turbulent historic events around the city of Tarnovo.
The fascinating Samovodene Market has been brought back to life recently and, as in olden times, in the small restored workshops skilful craftsmen produce and sell traditional hand-crafted souvenirs and household items;
Arbanasi, a village situated on a high plateau, offers a splendid view of the hills of Tsarevets and Trapezitza, four kilometres from Veliko Tarnovo and is a museum of the Bulgarian cultural heritage;
It is famous for its imposing houses and churches with rich interior decoration, wood- carvings and mural paintings created in 16th- 17th century. Some of Arbanasi’s churches, monasteries and houses are under UNESCO protection as world cultural heritage.