Every town or city has its unmistakable appearance and is easily recognizable by visitors. Veliko Tarnovo is one of Bulgaria’s cities boasting regal magnificence, and not only because it was the country’s capital during the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1187-1391). Its lovely houses perched along the meandering Yantra River outline something not unlike a majestic crown. Emanating the spirit of its ancient history, Veliko Tarnovo combines ancient culture with modernity. And for sure its townscape will become even more appealing with the implementation of a new project, central to the ambition of the Municipality for upgrading the town’s public spaces.
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Thirty years ago architect Matey Savov was thinking over the idea of an alleyway along the Yantra River that would become the favorite place for the lovers of great views and romantic walks. Today the project has been revised and updated. In it a few zones will be formed along the riverside street, each with its specific architecture. Pedestrian lanes will be connected with various sites for rest and entertainment. The old river beach will be restored too to once again become the ideal location for sunbathing on hot summer days. For the purpose a park will be created as well. Besides, the city spaced out amphitheatrically along a line of hills, is deep into greenery, the perfect natural background for kids’ playgrounds, a rope-way park and rock climbing.
© Photo: www.imagesfrombulgaria.com
The ambitious municipal plan includes construction of landing piers for small boats, a rope bridge and other attractions. The construction of the riverside zone of the city will be financed with EU money, as well as through public-private partnerships.
And though this project is so far at the stage of wishful thinking, it may turn out soon that the residents and guests of Veliko Tarnovo will be able to walk along an alleyway that resembles the famous lane along the Seine in Paris. The upgrading of the city’s architectural profile will for sure work to tempt more tourists to Bulgaria’s medieval capital. This will be added to traditionally strong interest of visitors – in latest statistics tourist trips to Veliko Tarnovo grew by more than 14 percent in 2011.
© Photo: www.imagesfrombulgaria.com
“Veliko Tarnovo remains one of the best preferred cultural tourism destinations in the country|, explains Dessislava Koeva from the Tsarevgrad Tarnov Municipal Agency of Tourism. 300,000 tourists visited the heritage sites in the city last year, as well as the nearby village of Arbanassi. Most of visitors come from abroad – Russia, Romania, Germany, France, UK. The Stage of Centuries summer operatic festival has also gained great popularity among them. It is held amid the natural scenery of the medieval stronghold of Tsarevets. Another popular event is the International Folklore Festival held regularly for the past ten years. Besides, the Veliko Tarnovo Municipality jointly with several rock clubs organizes a most attractive Motor Rock Festival. However, there is keenest interest in the Sound & Light audio-visual show. Many organized tourist groups come to the city to watch this unparalleled open-air show. It is free to watch on Bulgaria’s national holidays. The most interesting event in the sector of tourism is Cultural Tourism International Fair. This year we are looking forward to the ninth edition of the forum”, Dessislava Koeva says.
The towns where ancient areas and neighborhoods have been preserved, are very appealing for tourists. Veliko Tarnovo has succeeded in keeping its authentic townscape over centuries. With making the River Yantra alleyway a romantic spot, Bulgaria’s old capital will upgrade and modernize its unmistakable and highly regarded appearance.
Translated by Daniela Konstantinova
