Asenevtsi Monument
On Alexander Stamboliyski Street in the town of Veliko Tarnovo is the majestic monument “Assenevtsi”, also called “The Horsemen”. The monument is a creation of impressive size, was created to honor the great Bulgarian kings Assen, Peter, Kaloyan and Ivan Assen II.
Asenevtsi monument is located in the Boruna area near the Stambolov Bridge and the Boris Denev State Art Gallery. It’s ambience is magnificent and reason for that is the panoramic surroundings of all old houses in ancient part of Veliko Tarnovo city.
A precedent in world history, the monument was completed in its entirety in just one year, and it took only two months to build.
“Assenevtsi” is a work of art by a team of famous Bulgarian authors: Associate Professor Krum Damyanov, architect Georgi Gechev, engineer Kosta Tsekov, Ivan Slavov and Vladimir Ignatov.
The monument depicts the four great Bulgarian rulers as horsemen, and each of them is presented with its own characteristics and uniqueness.
King Peter, as the eldest and wisest of the brothers, was presented with a gesture of blessing to the people.
King Assen, determined and uncompromising, gripped the reins of his horse tightly and with a battle sword ready for fight.
Tsar Ivan Assen II, whose greatness reached its peak with the expansion of Bulgaria again to three seas, is depicted with a crown and a spear piercing the violated peace treaty by Theodore Comnenus. The parchment is piled on a spear and raised as a battle standard to inspire the king’s army to battle. A battle that ended with complete success for the Bulgarian king.
Tsar Kaloyan, the youngest of the brothers and the only one to hold the Catholic title of “king”, is presented with a militant demeanor and high education.
The monument “Assenevtsi” is 15 meters high, and the riders themselves are placed on four granite pedestals with a height of 7 meters each.
In the middle of the monument is placed an impressive sword, 33 meters high and turned with a blade pointing to the sky – a symbol of the greatness and steadfastness of medieval Bulgaria.
The hilt of the sword depicts a figure of Oranta – a religious term meaning a praying man with his hands raised.
The monument “Assenevtsi” was built entirely with funds from donations of Bulgarians and is worth 6.4 million levs.
Its official opening took place on November 16, 1985 on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the uprising of Assen and Peter and the liberation from Byzantine slavery.
The monument “Assenevtsi” is a national symbol, bearing a historical memory of Greater Bulgaria at the peak of its development and prosperity.
Chamurkov guest house is a perfect starting point for visiting the sights of our beautiful city.
For your convenience, we have uploaded a link with directions to “Asenevtsi” Monument
