36 Top things to do in Veliko Tarnovo, the old capital of Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo, Tarnovgrad, Tsarev Grad. All those are names of the old Bulgarian capital, proudly perched on the historic hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora, picturesquely surrounded by the waters of the Yantra River.

There is a legend according to which, when God created the world, he looked down at his creation, and then, out of admiration, bent down to kiss it. The place where God kissed the earth was at Tarnovo.

The city is distinguished by its unique architecture, deeply influenced by its rich history and interesting geographical terrain. There you will not see the traditional large central square, typical of most Bulgarian cities (and not only Bulgarian).

The history of Veliko Tarnovo is the history of Bulgaria, or at least a solid part of it. I will not have enough time or space here to dwell on it in detail.

Personally, for me, Tarnovo is much more than the most beautiful city in Bulgaria, I feel at home there. A certain part of my life is connected with this city. This is why I have not written anything about it so far. Now, on the occasion of the BULGARIAN INDEPENDENCE, declared in 1908 just there, I decided to collect in a list more than 30 top things to do in Veliko Tarnovo.

Contents

Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo
How to get to Veliko Tarnovo
Where to stay in Veliko Tarnovo
Final thoughts

Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo

I’ll start the list of things to do in Veliko Tarnovo with a few places that are not only landmarks of the old capital city – they are its emblems.

Tsarevets

Tsarevets is perhaps the most famous fortress in Bulgaria and served as the royal palace of the rulers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185–1396). It stands on the hill of the same name, which in the Middle Ages was densely built with residential and administrative buildings. Located in the eastern part of the city, the fortress is visible from many points across Veliko Tarnovo.

The ticket for a visit costs about 8 euros, and there are also family tickets at a price of about 10 euros. Opening hours are from 8:00 to 17:00 or 19:00 depending on the season.

Most museums in Veliko Tarnovo are under the umbrella of the Regional History Museum and you can buy tickets for them not only on site, but also online from the museum’s website here. You can also read more information about each of them there.

Baldwin’s Tower of Tsarevets

It is one of the most interesting in Tsarevets and deserves a special attention. Its name is associated with the Latin emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who after the Battle of Adrianople in 1205 was captured by the Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan and died there.

Here I would like to share a funny incident happened years ago, when there was an anniversary conference at the University of Veliko Tarnovo, to which we were invited. At that time, I was part of a team from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences working on a European project. We also brought two special guests – the leaders of the European project we were working on at the time. They had prepared themselves with the relevant guidebooks for Veliko Tarnovo and told us that they were very happy to be right here, since many years ago a very famous Belgian lived in this place. We were puzzled and quite naturally asked about his name. When we heard the name Baldwin, we were a little surprised, not to say embarrassed, because Baldwin had died here… and we were the hosts, showing off these Belgians. Anyway, the Belgian colleagues had an excellent sense of humor, so we laughed heartily.

Church “St. Forty Martyrs”

The church is located on the banks of the Yantra River at the western foot of the Tsarevets fortress. It was built and inscribed by order of Tsar Ivan Asen II in honor of the great victory of the Bulgarians, led by him, at Klokotnitsa over the troops of the Epirus despot Theodore Komnenos on March 22, 1230. In the 13th–14th centuries, the temple occupied an important place in the spiritual and state life of medieval Bulgaria.

The church of the “St. Forty Martyrs” contains some of the most significant written medieval monuments, including the columns of Tsar Omurtag and Tsar Asen.

In addition, it was there that the independence of Bulgaria was proclaimed, which is among the most important events in the Bulgarian modern history.

Trapezitsa

This is the hill opposite Tsarevets and in the Middle Ages was a fortified quarter of the capital city of Tarnovgrad. It is a natural fortress, encircled by the river on three sides. In the past, tall defensive walls with battle towers crowned its steep cliffs.

The ticket to visit costs about 5 euros.

Yantra River, winding between the hills

It is the seventh longest river in Bulgaria, its old name is Etar and is an integral part of the landscapes of Veliko Tarnovo.

The Asenevtsi Monument

This is a monument dedicated to the first kings of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the brothers Petar, Asen and Kaloyan, as well as to Tsar Ivan Asen II, son of Asen.

The monument is located in one of the meanders of the Yantra River at the foot of Sveta Gora hill, near the Grandhotel Veliko Tarnovo. It was inaugurated in 1985 on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the Asenevtsi Uprising and the liberation of Bulgaria from Byzantine rule.

Stambolov Bridge

This is the bridge between the Grand Hotel Veliko Tarnovo and the Asenevtsi monument. It was built at the end of the 19th century and named after one of its initiators, Stefan Stambolov, a Bulgarian politician at that time. the bridge connects the central part of the city with the Sveta Gora hill. While it once carried vehicle traffic, today it is entirely pedestrian.

The Mother Bulgaria Monument

Another emblem of Veliko Tarnovo. It is located in the city center, on the main street opposite the municipality building. When I was a student, we often arranged meetings there. The place was a must for a photo of graduates. We took pictures at our graduation ball, and we took pictures years later during reunions of the graduating class.

The monument was opened on May 6, 1935. It is dedicated to the Bulgarians who died in five wars – the Russian-Turkish (1877 – 1878), the Serbian-Bulgarian (1885), the Balkan Wars (First and Second, 1912 – 1913) and the First World War.

Sound and Light Show

“Sound and Light” is an audio and visual show held in evenings on Tsarevets Hill. During the attraction, the walls and buildings in the fortress are bathed in different lights to the rhythm of impressive solemn music. The show is broadcast throughout the year and you can watch it completely free of charge on national holidays and city holidays. Also, for a fee and prior reservation, the show can be broadcast on other days.

I don’t know exactly how many times I’ve watched the show, both as a student and in recent years. It has always been interesting to me.

One of the spots with the best view of the show is the terrace of the Yantra Hotel restaurant. Another suitable place is the square in front of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Multimedia visitor centre Tsarevgrad Tarnov

A new museum located very close to Tsarevets Hill. It is popularly known as the Wax Figures Museum and brings to life key historical figures and significant events from the Second Bulgarian Kingdom through sculptures and frescoes.

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin

Also very close to Tsarevets on the way to the city center. It was built by Kolyu Ficheto, a Bulgarian National Revival architect and builder.

The Velchova Zavera Monument on the square of the same name

Let me first say that “Zavera” means “Conspiracy”. The monument was solemnly opened, together with the Mother Bulgaria monument, on May 6, 1935. The Velchova Conspiracy was an attempted uprising of the Bulgarians in the Tarnovo and Silistra regions in 1835. Its initiator was the wealthy merchant Velcho Atanasov-Dzhamdzhiyata (dzhamdzhiya is an old word for glazier). Unfortunately, the conspiracy was uncovered, and its participants were hanged on the square.

The First National Assembly Building

Today, the Museum of the Revival and Constituent Assembly. The building was built in 1872 by the great Renaissance builder Kolyu Ficheto.

The entrance ticket costs about 5 euros.

Archaeological Museum

The building next to the front. The museum has a very rich collection. The entrance ticket costs about 5 euros.

The cobblestone street “Gurko” in the center

“Gurko” is the central street in the Old Town, one of the most picturesque in the city. Along its length you can see many Renaissance houses.

Sarafkina’s House

This is an old Bulgarian Revival house, today it is one of the museums in Veliko Tarnovo. It is located at the end of Gurko Street. It presents interior and ethnographic exhibits related to the life of the Tarnovo region. The house was owned by Dimo ​​Sarafa, a local merchant and money changer. He lived in the house with his wife Anastasia Sarafkina, from whom the name of the building comes.

“Saraf” in Turkish means a person who deals with money exchange.

Samovodska Charshiya

Samovodska Charshiya is an old market place and architectural and ethnographic complex with cobblestones and old Revival houses. It was created in the 1860s and 1870s, and two streets were formed with commercial and artisan shops, workshops and inns. Currently, it’s a lovely place to walk, see some old local crafts, and buy souvenirs.

The House-Museum “Emiliyan Stanev” at the Samovodska Charshiya

Emiliyan Stanev is a Bulgarian writer, born and lived in Veliko Tarnovo. In front of the house-museum you can see a monument, devoted to him.

The Monument to Stefan Stambolov

Stefan Stambolov (1854 – 1895) was a Bulgarian politician, revolutionary, journalist and poet. The monument is located at the beginning of the Samovodska Charshiya. Stefan Stambolov (1854 – 1895) was a Bulgarian politician, revolutionary, journalist and poet.

The House with the Monkey

The work of master Kolyu Ficheto. It was built in 1849.

The House-Museum “Petko R. Slaveykov”

This is the birthplace of the great Bulgarian poet, publicist and politician Petko Rachev Slaveykov. He was born in 1827 in Tarnovo. The house was restored in 1971 and a monument to the poet was placed in front of it. It is located a little further up from the House with the Monkey. Visits are allowed by prior arrangement.

Observation decks along the main street Stefan Stambolov

Several places for recreation and observation have been set up along the main street.

The Monument to the Hanged

Located at the corner of the central city street Stefan Stambolov. The monument was inaugurated on June 25, 1884 and is dedicated to participants in the April Uprising of 1876.

Asenova Mahala (or Asenov district)

This is a neighborhood with many old churches, nestled under Tsarevets and Trapezitsa. It is known that as early as the 13th century, during the time of Asenevtsi, a neighborhood of the old capital developed in this place. It is mentioned in the sources as New Town.

The Church of St. Dimitar

Located in the Asenov neighborhood, it is the oldest church in Tarnovo and the site where the brothers Petar, Asen, and Kaloyan were crowned Bulgarian kings.

The Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul

In the Asenov neighborhood. It was built in the early 13th century. After the fall into Ottoman slavery, the Patriarchate and the patriarchal library were moved there. Patriarch Evtimii, the last Bulgarian patriarch before the Liberation, served in this church for two years.

Church of St. Ivan of Rila

Its remains can be seen right across from the Church of St. Peter and Paul. It also dates from the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

Shishman’s Bath

Shishman’s Bath is one of the few well-preserved medieval baths in Bulgaria and an authentic monument from the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It is located under the Tsarevets fortress, near the church St. Peter and Paul, and is a public bath with original architecture, dating back to approximately the 14th century. The site has been archaeologically studied, restored and exhibited as a museum and attracts tourists and history buffs.

Vladishki Bridge

Built in 1774 and considered one of the oldest bridges in the city. It is also located in the Asenov district.

Trapezitsa Station

Trapezitsa Station is a railway stop on the Gorna Oryahovitsa – Stara Zagora line. It is located in the northeastern part of Veliko Tarnovo at the foot of Trapezitsa Hill. The station is closely connected to the New History of Bulgaria. On September 22, 1908, at 9:00 AM, the train of Tsar (King) Ferdinand I, together with representatives of the Bulgarian political elite, stopped at Trapezitsa Station. It was there that the first transcript of the Manifesto for the Declaration of Independence of Bulgaria was made. Then the king, the statesmen and the citizens present head to the church of the Holy Forty Martyrs, where the independence of Bulgaria was declared.

FYI, there is also another railway station in the city – Veliko Tarnovo Station.

Mini Bulgaria Park

This is one of the newest attractions of the old Bulgarian capital and recreates places that are symbolic for our homeland. There you can see wonderful exhibits against the backdrop of Tsarevets. The most impressive, at least for me, are the Sofia Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, the Varna Cathedral, the National Assembly building and the Monument to the Asenevtsi.

Marno Pole Park

In the very center of the city.

Among the interesting things to do in Veliko Tarnovo is to take a walk to the city’s closest surroundings. Here are a few good suggestions.

Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Preobrazhensky Monastery)

It is the fourth largest in Bulgaria and is one of the most valuable and visited monasteries. It is located about 10 km north of the city and can be reached by car. In addition, a pedestrian path leads to it from the Samovodska Charshiya.

The Monastery of the Transfiguration was built in the 11th century. On the facade of its church you can see one of the most impressive Bulgarian frescoes – the Wheel of Life.

Patriarchal Monastery “Holy Trinity”

The ancient monastery “Holy Trinity” is called patriarchal, because according to one theory it was founded by Patriarch Evtimii with the help of Tsar Ivan Shishman. It is located 12 km from the center of Veliko Tarnovo, on the opposite bank of the Yantra River from the Transfiguration Monastery. The two monasteries have a visual connection.

Kartala Waterfall

Kartala Waterfall is about 10 meters high and is located about 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo. A tourist trail to Kartala Waterfall and the Transfiguration Monastery begins from the Samovodska Charshiya.

Arbanassi

You can spend a few hours, or even a whole day, in the village of Arbanassi to see everything interesting there – the 7 churches, the two monasteries, the museums. If you have more time, you can also explore the nearby Kalugerska Dupka cave and the two ancient fountains near Arbanassi – Malkoto and Golyamoto Lako. Full information about all the sights in Arbanassi can be found in this article.

How to get to Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is situated 220 kilometers east of Sofia. You basically have three options for getting there:

• drive on your own;
• take a bus;
• join a tour.

Driving from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo takes about 3 hours.

If you need to rent a car, I’d recommend to use Top Rent A Car, the major car hire provider in Bulgaria with loyalty program for the returning customers.

There are regular bus lines from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo. They depart from the Central Bus Station. You can check the schedule and buy tickets on the station’s website here.

You can also use trains, but there is not direct line to Veliko Tarnovo. You should take a train to Gorna Oryahovitsa and then to use a bus or another train.

The last option is joining a tour. I’d recommend this tour.

Where to stay in Veliko Tarnovo

Final thoughts

These are some of the most important landmarks and things to do in Veliko Tarnovo, in my opinion. There is much more to see in the near surroundings. If you are curious, share in the comments and I will answer you with suggestions.

What else … maybe the fact that a walk in the old Bulgarian capital is always exciting …