“Tsarevets” Fortress
We suggest as you get out of our village on the way to Veliko Tarnovo, just 100 meters after Petrol gas station you will find astonishing view of Tsarevts and park „Mini Bulgaria”
As one of the most significant and beautiful Bulgarian cities, Veliko Tarnovo attracts thousands of tourists from around the world who come to enjoy the architectural and historical sights of the area. The city, capital of the Second Bulgarian State (1878-1879), is located stepped along the curves of the Yantra River, on whose two banks you can find the hills Tsarevets and Trapezitsa, carrying the magic of our historical past and the spirit of antiquity.
Part of the “Hundred National Tourist Sites”, Tsarevets Fortress was the main Bulgarian fortress during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, when Tarnovgrad was the capital. Tsarevets Hill was protected on all sides by a powerful fortress wall and towers.
Tsarevets Fortress also has a palace complex (built during the reign of Tsar Ivan Alexander around 1360), the Patriarchal Church of the Ascension and a complex fortification system built of many ring walls, battlements and towers.
One of the most famous towers is the Baldwin Tower. It takes its name from the legend of the Latin emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who is believed to have been captured by the Bulgarian king Kaloyan and blinded in it. The tower has been completely restored and is one of the most significant landmarks of Tsarevets.
Palace complex of Tsarevets was the center of the Bulgarian kings and medieval rulers, writing and creating the history of Bulgaria. The palace has a Throne room, Royal chambers, a church, battle towers and two entrances – from the north and south.
Throne room of medievil Tsarevets and the reception rooms were located next to the northern entrance and were decorated with gypsum frescoes and marble.
In the palace church, which was cross-domed, it is believed that there were preserved the relics of Bulgarian saint St. Petka Tarnovska.
Patriarchal Church of the Ascension was an independent Fortress. It is located on the highest and central place on Tsarevets hill. The Patriarchate, also called the “Mother of All Bulgarian Churches”, regulated the administrative management of medieval church life in Bulgaria.
The artistic design of the interior of the church is the work of the artist Teofan Sokerov, imposed by the complete reconstruction and additional restoration.
Patriarchal church in Tsarevets fortress has a large bell on tower or the so-called „Bell tower”, which is not typical church building from the Middle Ages.
Church of the Ascension was believed to preserve the relics of St. Michael the Warrior and the canonized Bulgarian patriarchs Joachim I, Macarius and Joachim III.
Archaeological research has established that the town on Tsarevets Hill was densely built up and inhabited. Numerous residential and farm buildings, 22 churches and 4 monastery complexes were found. Apart from kings, bolyars and clergy, the city was inhabited by many craftsmen, merchants and farmers.
Another remarkable spot of historical heritage in Tsarevets is „Lobnata Skala”. It is located in the northern, most pointed part of the hill. A deep abyss was formed under the rock itself, which served as a punishment for those sentenced to death – they were thrown from the rock into the abyss. And here again we will mention the Latin Emperor Baldwin of Flanders, who is believed to have been thrown from this rock in 1205.
The rock of death is also associated with many legends and myths from the time of the Ottoman rule. The story tells how the Bulgarian Patriarch Evtimii was supposed to be beheaded on it, but a miracle numbs the hand of the executioner, and the Turks froze in fear and terror, which is why the Patriarch was spared.
Visiting the thousand-years-old fortress of Tsarevets, you can enjoy the historical spirit carried by the breath of the medieval past. A magical and mystical sense of historical legacy and charm.
Our guests in the Chamurkova house will have the opportunity to enjoy a view from a different perspective from the meadow, which is 200 meters after the Petrol gas station, a 20-minute walk from the house.
Navigation to Tsarevets via Google Maps download here
