valeria Travel

Have the unique chance to both experience a relaxing vacation and see the Old capital of Bulgaria and the architecture and ethnographic complexe of Bozhentsi! Veliko Turnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in 1187-1393. Today the town is one of the richest historical, architectural and cultural landmarks. Open for visits is the historical Tzarevetz Hill, unique with its evening Sounds and Light show, the old town, and Samovodene Markets - the street of the crafts, with numerous little shops in which even to this day craftsmen are working. Here is the Sarafkin's House - one of the many beautiful Renaissance houses, the House with the monkey, the Valchova Zvera Monument, Stambolov's House and many churches. This is the town where the self-taught master Kolyo Ficheto worked and left many architectural landmarks. A magnificent view towards the old town opens out from the Asenovtzi monument, which is situated in a picturesque peninsula of Yantra river.

The earliest evidence of human presence on the hill dates from the 2nd millennium BC. It was settled in the 4th century and a Byzantine fortress was constructed near the end of the 5th century, on the grounds of which the construction of the Bulgarian stronghold was begun in 12th century. After the Vlach-Bulgarian Rebellion and the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire with its capital in Veliko Tarnovo, the fortress became the most important one in Bulgaria, often compared with Rome and Constantinople in magnificence. In 1393, the stronghold was besieged by Ottoman forces for three months before finally being conquered and burnt down on 17 July, which marked the fall of the Bulgarian Empire.

The restoration of the complex began in 1930, when the first of the three gates of the main entrance to the fortress was reconstructed. The fortress Tsarevets is located at the centre of Veliko Tarnovo .It was been the main bulgarian stronghold in the time of the second bulgarian kingdom. In the ninth century appears a village which grows in the time of the first bulgarian country. In the twelfth century starts the build of the fortress. It has three entrances. The main entrance is located in the eastest side of the hill. In the centre there is the castle complex, which is surrounded by a internal stone wall, two battle towers and two entrances- from north and south .It includes throne hall, castle church and king`s chambr. Therestoration of the fortress Tsarevets begins in 1930 and it`s been completed in 1981 in honour of 1300 years from the create of the Bulgarian country. There were kings King Petar, Asen, Kaloian and Ivan Asen the second.