One of the most beautiful towns in Bulgaria is shining in new lights ahead of the new tourist season. Thanks to EU funds, the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo has new attractions as well as "freshly" repaired churches and a renovated bridge over the Yantra River. Thus, the local administration is hoping to attract more visitors and improve the image of the town as a worthy candidate for the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

The medieval Bulgarian capital welcomes tourists with its numerous churches, museums, houses and well-preserved remains of the Middle Ages. The town which experienced its "golden age" in the period 1185-1393, when it was the major economic, cultural and spiritual center of the Second Bulgarian Empire, has preserved its regal stature to this day. No wonder that Veliko Tarnovo is the most visited Bulgarian town and locals perceive themselves as descendants of the old aristocracy.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

The restored St. St. Peter and Paul church

In the Middle Ages, the royal palace along with all adjacent administrative buildings was located on the historic hill of Tsarevets, surrounded by massive walls fortress and watchtowers. Today the hill crowned by the patriarchal cathedral to Christ’s Ascension has become a symbol of Bulgarian statehood and also the tourist symbol of the town. Annually an average 400-500 thousand guests from Bulgaria and abroad climb the hill and enter this church. However, the local administration is keen to attract more tourists via its project for improvement of the infrastructure and renovation of some of the most iconic landmarks. The project funded by European funds is worth 6.2 million leva.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

Tsarevets Hill lit by the "Sound and Light" show

The project will include a comprehensive renovation of the square in front of Tsarevets Hill, where is also the entrance to the historic sanctuary. However, tourists are already enjoying the newly refurbished church St. St. Peter and Paul situated at the foot of the hill dating back to the 13th century and boasting many valuable frescoes. It is suggested that it was used as a patriarchal church for several years immediately after the fall of Tarnovo into the hands of the Ottoman invaders in 1393. 

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

Frescoes in the St. St. Peter and Paul church

Thanks to the municipal project the Vladishki (Episcopal) bridge from the mid-17thcentury also has a refreshed look. It connects the two banks of the Yantra River, which meanders at the foot of the hills Tsarevets and Trapezitsa. Local tour guide Natalia Naydenova says:

“The fortress Trapezitsa was second in importance after the fortress Tsarevets, which was a major royal castle. Trapezitsa was the place where the nobility and higher clergy lived. The excavations discovered the foundations of 17 boyar churches. Part of the fortress wall, which was the main entrance of Trapezitsa, has been restored. In May, the fortress is to be open to tourists, like Tsarevets”.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

The view from the recently renewed Bishops' Bridge

Among the new attractions of Veliko Tarnovo, made within the municipal project is the multimedia visitor center. It is a unique museum of sculptures made of plaster and silicone, recounting the life in Turnovo in the Middle Ages. Alongside the exquisitely crafted life-size figures of artisans and iconic rulers of the Second Bulgarian Empire, we also see the "living sculptures" of royal cup-bearers, calligraphers, etc. The museum has two floors, and the third is a separate spacious terrace which can be reached via a special elevator. It offers an incredible view of the Tsarevets Hill. So tourists can watch the spectacular "Sound and Light" audio-visual show, which for 27 years has been bringing the medieval fortress back to life.

© Photo: Veneta Nikolova

Trapesitsa Hill where the second most important fortress (after Tsarevets) rose

“One idea is to "bind" the two things - the audiovisual program "Sound and Light" and the Visitor Center, explains passionately Tsvetomir Boyadjiev, manager of the local Tsarevgrad-Tarnov touristm agency. Thus the people who are familiar with our sculptures, will be able to get another impressive, evocative idea of the tumultuous history of the town through the show "Sound and Light". One more attraction is provided in our project - it is a tourist train that in the coming months is to work for the enjoyment of children and adults. It will move within a tourist route that starts from the square in front of Tsarevets and includes some of the most interesting sights."

Among foreign tourists in Veliko Tarnovo most numerous are the U.S. guests who arrive on one-day visits through the popular cruises on the Danube. The town welcomes many Russian and Western guests who remain fascinated by the old town marked by centuries of history and a vivid present.

English version: Rossitsa Petcova