Veliko Tărnovo is the historical soul of Bulgaria — the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396), dramatically perched on the steep banks of the Yantra River whose fortress of Tsarevets, cathedral, and traditional houses clinging to the gorge walls create one of the most spectacularly sited city landscapes in the Balkans. Often called the “City of the Tsars,” Veliko Tărnovo was the political, cultural, and religious heart of medieval Bulgaria at its apogee; today, its beautifully restored old town, the sound-and-light show at Tsarevets fortress, and its position as a university city give it a vibrant blend of deep history and youthful energy that makes it Bulgaria’s most rewarding inland destination.

Quick Facts: Veliko Tărnovo, Bulgaria

• Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and autumn for the best weather for exploring; the Tsarevets sound-and-light show (a dramatic illumination of the fortress with music, lasers, and bells) is held on select evenings (typically public holidays and festival dates — check locally)
• How to get there: ~3 hours from Sofia by car (~2.5 hours from Bucharest); regular trains and buses from Sofia
• Top attractions: Tsarevets Fortress (the restored citadel of the medieval Bulgarian tsars with the Patriarchal Church), the Samovodska Charshiya (the artisan street of traditional crafts), and the view of the town from the Yantra River gorge below

If you are planning your trip to Bulgaria, you shouldn’t miss historic symbol of Bulgaria – medieval town Veliko Tărnovo. The town is located on the Yantra River and is known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It is one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria, having a history of more than 5 thousands years.

The combination of geographical location, natural scenery and historical landmarks makes Veliko Tărnovo to be historically and architecturally one of the most important towns in Europe.

The first thing a visitor of Veliko Tărnovo will notice is the dominating feature of the city – a high rocky hill Carevec, surrounded by a massive medieval walls. The area is connected to the outside only by a narrow bridge and hide the ruins of Czar’s palaces and churches.

Steep slopes below the walls are several hundred meters deep. All the impressive scenery is completed with thousands of small houses from the 18th and 19th century, which, from the distance, look like they were built one above the other.

With a beautiful view of the city would be satisfied also the tourists who have no idea how many historical events took place in the context of European history.

View Veliko Tărnovo – historical symbol of Bulgaria in a larger map

Have you explored Tsarevets fortress or discovered Bulgaria’s City of the Tsars? Share your Veliko Tărnovo experiences in the comments! 🇧🇬

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