Places to Visit in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgarian, Europe

Places to Visit in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgarian, Europe

Veliko Tarnovo is the capital city of the Veliko Tarnovo Province in north central Bulgaria placed geographically at 43°05′N 25°39′ E, about 220 km northeast of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It was earlier called by the different names such as Tarnovgrad and Tarnovo and was officially named as Tarnovo in 1965 and Veliko (Great) was added to Tarnovo to memorialize its rich history.

Geography of Veliko Tarnovo:

Veliko Tarnovo is situated on the Yantra River spread over an area of 30.379 sq. km. at an altitude of 220 meters.

History of Veliko Tarnovo:

Veliko Tarnovo earlier served as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The historical landmarks in Veliko Tarnovo include Patriarchal Cathedral, St Forty Martyrs Church, Veliko Tarnovo Castle and Kolyu Ficheto’s Cathedral.

How to reach Veliko Tarnovo?

There is an airport in Veliko Tarnovo but not served by any airlines presently, so it is advised for international tourists to reach Sofia Airport (about 220 km) or Varna Airport (around 220 km) first and then take train or bus from there to Veliko Tarnovo.

Veliko Tarnovo has a railway station located few kilometers away from the city centre receiving trains from the neighboring cities.

Buses are regular between Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia and Varna, generally costing about 20-22 leva from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo.

Taxis and cars are always ready to serve tourists in Veliko Tarnovo.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Veliko Tarnovo:

Bulgarians form the higher majority of Veliko Tarnovo population, followed by Turks and Gypsies. Soccer, basketball and volleyball are the popular sports in Veliko Tarnovo.

The old market Samovodskata charshiya is ideal site to purchase traditional handicrafts and the prime food corners in Veliko Tarnovo include:

Pizza Tempo
Shtastliveca
Hadji Nikoli Inn

Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo:

Free Veliko Tarnovo Walking Tour
Yoga Dharma – Day Class
Visiting Historical sites
Visiting Museums

What to see in Veliko Tarnovo?

Tsarevets:

Nestled on the Tsarevets hill in Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets is a medieval stronghold which was used by the Second Bulgarian Empire when Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the empire. It is now being a top tourist destination hosting many majestic palaces and ruins.

Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God:

The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God is a former Eastern Orthodox cathedral known for its typical construction. Placed on the crest of the Tsarevets Hill, the cathedral was initially built in the 11th–12th century and was renovated in 1970s.

Kolyu Ficheto’s Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos:

Built in the year 1844, Kolyu Ficheto’s Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos is one of the prime cathedrals in Veliko Tarnovo which was restored in 1913 with different specialties.

List of other places of interest in Veliko Tarnovo includes:

Yantra River
Veliko Tarnovo Old Town
Samovodska Charshiya Street
Veliko Tarnovo’s Castle
Arbanassi
Historical museums in Veliko Tarnovo
An art museum in Veliko Tarnovo
Peter and Paul Church
Samovodska Charshiya Complex
Asen’s Monument
The Book Cave
Forty Martyrs Church
Boris Denev State Art Gallery

When to visit Veliko Tarnovo?

Veliko Tarnovo can be visited throughout the year except ending months of the year while heavy rainfall occurs.

Where to stay in Veliko Tarnovo?

Veliko Tarnovo is a historical city famous for its fortress, churches, museums and monuments as well as top class hotels. The major hotels with different tourist favor facilities in Veliko Tarnovo are as follows: