Location: Asenova Quarter
Tel. 062 636 828
062 636 841
Entrance Fee: 6lv, student 2lv, elevator 2lv
Open: 9am- 5pm Nov-
March
8am- 6pm Apr-Oct
light show 8pm- 8:30pm
Entrance Fee:
Adult 4 lv, child 2lb
Veliko Tarnovo, often referred to as the
"City of the Tsars," is one of Bulgaria's most historically significant
and picturesque cities. Located in north-central Bulgaria, it serves as
the administrative center of Veliko Tarnovo Province and is renowned for
its medieval heritage, dramatic landscapes, and role as the former
capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. With a history spanning over
5,000 years, the city blends ancient ruins, Ottoman-era architecture,
and modern Bulgarian culture, making it a major tourist destination. As
of 2025, it remains a vibrant hub for education, tourism, and light
industry, attracting visitors for its well-preserved historical sites
and natural beauty without the overwhelming crowds found in larger
European cities.
Veliko Tarnovo's history is among the richest in Bulgaria, tracing
back to prehistoric settlements around the 3rd millennium BC on hills
like Trapezitsa. Archaeological evidence, including coins, ceramics, and
tools, indicates early Thracian and Roman influences. During the First
Bulgarian Empire (7th–11th centuries), it was a key stronghold with a
military garrison. The city's golden age began in 1185 with the Uprising
of Asen and Peter, which restored Bulgarian independence and established
the Second Bulgarian Empire, with Tarnovgrad (the city's original name)
as its capital. By the 14th century, it had become a formidable fortress
and a center of politics, economy, culture, and religion, housing
12,000–15,000 inhabitants and earning the moniker "Third Rome" for its
Orthodox Christian influence.
The Ottoman conquest in 1393, after a
three-month siege, marked a period of decline, though local resistance
persisted through uprisings in 1598 and 1686. Under Ottoman rule until
1877, the city retained some autonomy but saw halted development.
Liberation came during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), with Russian
forces under General Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko freeing it on July 7,
1877. In 1879, the first National Assembly convened here to adopt the
Tarnovo Constitution, solidifying its role in modern Bulgarian
statehood. Tsar Ferdinand proclaimed full independence in 1908 at the
Forty Holy Martyrs Church.
The 20th century brought industrialization
under Communist rule, with factories nationalized and churches
repurposed, though the city avoided heavy wartime damage. Renamed Veliko
Tarnovo in 1965 to honor its past, it urbanized rapidly, forming a
conurbation with nearby towns like Gorna Oryahovitsa and Lyaskovets.
Post-1989, it transitioned to a market economy, focusing on tourism and
education. As of 2025, no major recent historical events are noted, but
ongoing archaeological digs continue to uncover medieval artifacts.
Situated at 43°04′40″N 25°37′00″E in north-central Bulgaria, Veliko
Tarnovo spans 30.379 km² along the Yantra River, which meanders through
the city, creating dramatic gorges and hills. Its topography is hilly
and mountainous, with an average elevation of 208 meters, featuring
prominent hills like Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, Momina Krepost, and Sveta
Gora. The terrain includes plains, hills, and the Balkan Mountains to
the south, positioning it as a gateway between Western Europe, the Black
Sea, and the Middle East.
The climate is humid continental (Dfa),
characterized by warm summers (August highs up to 30°C, record 41.1°C)
and cold, snowy winters (January lows to -7°C, record -28.1°C). Annual
precipitation averages 680 mm, supporting diverse soils like chernozem
and gray forest types. The Yantra River's basin (7,862 km²) provides
water via the Yovkovtsi hydropower plant. Flora dominates with deciduous
forests (88% coverage, including beech, oak, and hornbeam) and conifers
like pine, alongside over 25 edible mushroom species. Fauna is abundant,
with 350 bird species, 35 mammals (e.g., deer, foxes), reptiles,
amphibians, and fish like carp and catfish in the river. Nearby natural
features include caves (around 50 in limestone formations) and gorges
like Dervent.
As of 2022, the city's population stands at 59,166, with the urban area at 76,834 and the municipality at around 88,670 (down from a peak of 69,605 in 1985 due to post-Communist migration). The 2011 census showed 68,783 residents, predominantly Bulgarians (95.5%), with minorities including Turks (3.6%), Roma (0.2%), and small groups of Romanians and others; 9.2% undeclared ethnicity. The province encompasses 10 municipalities and 333 settlements, many small villages under 50 inhabitants. Key neighborhoods include Buzluđa (19,500 people) and Kolio Ficheto (17,000), reflecting a mix of urban and suburban living. Population trends show aging and slight decline, but tourism and education sustain youth influx.
Veliko Tarnovo's economy is diversified, with four industrial zones (Central, North, South, West) focusing on light manufacturing, food processing, and services. It is Bulgaria's largest producer of plastic bags and hosts major enterprises like the Bolyarka AD brewery (founded 1897), which is a leading exporter. Tourism is a cornerstone, driven by historical sites and events, contributing significantly to employment. Other sectors include textiles, electronics, and agriculture (wine, grains) in the surrounding plains. Unemployment is low compared to national averages, bolstered by education and cultural industries. As of 2025, the city benefits from EU funding for infrastructure, enhancing connectivity via highways and rail to Sofia and the Black Sea. The conurbation with Gorna Oryahovitsa adds logistics and trade hubs.
Veliko Tarnovo is Bulgaria's historical and spiritual capital, preserving medieval Orthodox traditions, folk crafts, and festivals. Architecture features Renaissance revival houses with overhanging upper floors, especially in the old town. Cultural events include the International Folklore Festival (summer) and the Cultural Tourism Exhibition, attracting global participants. Local cuisine highlights mekitsi (fried dough), banitsa (pastry), and wines from the Thracian valley. The city hosts theaters, galleries, and the annual Sound and Light Show at Tsarevets, narrating history through audiovisual effects. Orthodox Christianity dominates, with churches like St. Demetrius playing key roles in festivals like Easter and Christmas. Crafts such as woodcarving and pottery thrive, often showcased in markets.
Education is a pillar, with Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" (opened 1963) as the second-largest in Bulgaria, offering programs in humanities, sciences, and arts to over 10,000 students. Other institutions include the National Military University and vocational schools. Primary and secondary education covers a network of schools emphasizing history and languages. The city's libraries and museums support lifelong learning, with international exchanges growing post-EU accession.
Veliko Tarnovo boasts UNESCO-recognized sites and natural wonders.
Key highlights include:
Tsarevets Fortress: Medieval citadel on a
hill, with palace ruins, Baldwin's Tower, and the Patriarchal Cathedral;
site of the nightly Sound and Light Show.
Trapezitsa Hill:
Archaeological site with churches and fortifications from the Second
Empire.
Forty Holy Martyrs Church: 13th-century basilica where
independence was declared; houses royal tombs.
Samovodska Charshiya:
Ottoman-era street with artisan shops and museums.
Arbanasi Village:
Nearby preserved settlement with frescoed churches and traditional
houses.
Yantra River Gorges and Waterfalls: Hiking trails, caves, and
eco-tourism spots.
Museums: Regional History Museum and the Museum of
the Bulgarian Revival.
Other draws include the Asen Dynasty Monument
and nearby monasteries like Preobrazhenski. In 2025, the city continues
to host events like the Cultural Tourism Fair in September.
Notable figures include Tsar Ivan Asen II (empire builder), Patriarch Evtimiy (14th-century scholar), and modern personalities like composer Filip Kutev (folk music pioneer) and politician Stefan Stambolov (19th-century prime minister born nearby). Artists such as Theodosii Spassov (kaval player) have ties, and the city inspired writers like Ivan Vazov.
As of 2025, Veliko Tarnovo emphasizes sustainable tourism, with infrastructure upgrades like improved riverfront paths and digital museum exhibits. EU-funded projects enhance heritage preservation amid climate challenges. The city remains a "best-kept secret" for retirees and digital nomads, with growing eco-tourism and cultural exchanges. No major disruptions are reported, but it continues to feature in travel itineraries for Eastern Europe.