Tsarevets Fortress

Bulgaria Veliko TarnovoTsarevets Fortress

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The famous Bulgarian medieval fortress, it is primary tourist attraction. It dates from 12th century become a capital of second Bulgarian empire. Conquered and burnt down by Ottomans which lead to fall of Bulgarian empire. There are many great views around entire Veliko Tarnovo and Yantra river. It has three entrances. The main entrance is located in the easternmost side of the hill. The castle complex is located in the centre, surrounded by an internal stone wall, two battle towers and two entrances - north and south. It consists of a throne hall, castle church and the king's chamber. The restoration of the fortress Tsarevets began in 1930 and was completed in 1981 in honour of the 1300 anniversary from the establishment of the Bulgarian state. Kings Petar, Asen, Kaloyan and Ivan Asen the second lived there. Baldwin's Tower, a modern reconstruction of a medieval tower modeled after the tower in Cherven and built in 1930, is in the southeastern part of the fortress. It is at the place of the original medieval tower where Latin EmperorBaldwin I of Constantinople found his death as a prisoner of Kaloyan of Bulgaria. During the Middle Ages, residential buildings, craftsman's workshops and numerous churches and monasteries were situated on the slopes of the Tsarevets hill. Archaeologists have discovered 400 residential buildings, differentiated in quarters, over 22 churches and 4 monasteries. Tsarevets hill is also the location of Execution Rock, an outcropping over the Yantra River from which traitors were pushed to their deaths and their bodies fell into the river. There Patriarch Joachim was executed by the Tsar Theodore Svetoslav in the year 1300.

Valentin VasilevValentin Vasilev

A Romantic attraction in medieval capital Veliko Tarnovo. Strategically positioned on a hill, this is the place of kings and princesses of the middle ages. Also of the old time patriarchy. However, the orthodox Byzantine style church on top is decorated in mid 20th Century style with scenes of Bulgarian History. Tourists expecting the Byzantine icons in the Bulgarian orthodox church will be disappointed. But it is a good opportunity to get an illustrated introduction to the history of the place. In summer there is a beautiful light show which can be seen from the city (there is a spot with seats at the entrance to Tsarevets, but you have to be there well in advance to get a place). The light show can also be seen from top of some Veliko Tarnovo hotels. Ask at reception of your hotel for a good spot. Shows are also organized on demand for a certain number of tourists against cost. A pleasant entertainment.

Olga ReceOlga Rece

The fortress itself is well looked after and preserved. It really is a wonderful place to have a peaceful stroll to enjoy history, culture and of course, nature and views of the city. Clean allover. It is best to go in the morning to avoid crowds and tour groups. There are a few things that I personally feel is daylight robbery (and I'm sure that a lot of others might feel the same but are too shy to mention it). 1. You have to pay 1 Lev to use the toilet which has NO toilet paper. 2. if you want to go up to the lookout point by the church, you have to pay another 3 lev as well. 3. Drinks in the vendor machines and any of the souvenirs inside and outside of the fortress are overpriced. You already pay a lot for entry and then you have to pay to use the toilet or to go up to the viewpoint??? If that's not daylight robbery then I'm a donkey.

Nadia DutrieuxNadia Dutrieux

Cetatea Tsarevets este situata in Veliko Tarnovo - a treia capitala a Bulgariei (1185-1193) dupa Pliska si Preslav...orașul are doi munți fortificați în mod natural - Trapezitsa și Tsarevets, cu reședința țarului și a patriarhului bulgar....astăzi sunt vizibile zidurile cetății, turnurile, porțile și bisericile....în luminile proiectului Light and Sound, Tsarevets cu toate clădirile sale arată fantastic....după 1185, Bulgaria s-a ridicat cu succes după răsturnarea stăpânirii bizantine....liderii eliberării au încercat să elibereze precedenta capitală Preslav, dar au pierdut bătălia...prin urmare, au proclamat Tarnovo noua capitală a statului eliberat....aceasta nu a fost o alegere întâmplătoare - locul era de o mare importanță strategică și era fortificat în mod natural....situat la o răscruce importantă, orașul Veliko Tarnovo a jucat un rol cheie în lupta bulgărească împotriva Imperiului Bizantin...domnitorul bulgar a adunat toată puterea din stat, toate pârghiile puterii au fost concentrate în palatul regelui, situat pe muntele fortificat Tsarevets....aici se desfășurau toate treburile administrative, militare, intelectuale și religioase, se desfășura activitatea diplomatică și era centrul economic al statului....întreaga viață a orașului a fost construită în jurul reședinței regelui....în 1235, Patriarhia Constantinopolului a permis Bulgariei să restabilească drepturile bisericii....o dovadă a importanței bisericii a fost că reședința Patriarhului era situată pe vârful muntelui regal Tsarevets....complexul patriarhal se află încă pe cea mai înaltă terasă a Muntelui Tsarevets, la sud de palatul țarului bulgar....complexul simbolizează puterea bisericii creștine, inspiră și aduce respect credinței....acest complex include o curte în jurul căreia sunt amplasate diferite clădiri cu diferite scopuri - case, trapeze, clădiri administrative, o bibliotecă și o cameră pentru manuscrise....întregul complex ocupă o suprafață de 1413 mp...spre deosebire de alte complexe monahale de lângă Tarnovo, Patriarhia are ziduri de protecție - o structură puternică care se potrivește configurației terenului....după capturarea Bulgariei de către turci, Tsarevets a fost uitat și neglijat și a revenit la viață doar datorită arheologilor și restauratorilor, ca parte a istoriei de 1300 de ani a Bulgariei și a poporului bulgar....

Liviu IAMANDILiviu IAMANDI

Fake, fake, fake! Why do people bother to go to this place in such great numbers is beyond me. Sure, I assume the view over the city from up there is cool but it is a travesty of history what they have done. You have better luck finding something historically accurate by going to Disneyland. This place was wiped out by the Romans after the fall of the Asens state and then fell into ruin with zero interest for it until the 20th century when the communists, instead of respecting history, decided to make what is basically a playground over what few ruins might have been here. If you like fantasy and good views, by all means, waste your 💰 there, but if you like history and truth don't bother

Klaus WandererKlaus Wanderer

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo is a must-see for anyone visiting Bulgaria. Perched high on a hill, it offers fantastic views and a deep dive into the country's medieval history. As you walk around, you'll see remnants of the royal palace and other ancient buildings that showcase the grandeur of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Don't miss the "Sound and Light" show, which uses lights and music to bring the history of this great empire to life in a spectacular way, especially at night. Although the fortress can get busy, it's spacious enough to enjoy without feeling overcrowded. Tsarevets is a standout destination for those interested in Bulgaria’s rich past and stunning landscapes.

Nikola DionisievNikola Dionisiev

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Address

Tsarevets, Tsar Asen Square, 5000 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Map

Phone

+359 62 638 841

Call

Website

museumvt.com

Visit

Overview

4.7

(5.1K reviews)

cultural

outdoor

family friendly

Description

Tsarevets is a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name in Veliko Tarnovo in northern Bulgaria. Tsarevets is 206 metres above sea level.

The famous Bulgarian medieval fortress, it is primary tourist attraction. It dates from 12th century become a capital of second Bulgarian empire. Conquered and burnt down by Ottomans which lead to fall of Bulgarian empire. There are many great views around entire Veliko Tarnovo and Yantra river. It has three entrances. The main entrance is located in the easternmost side of the hill. The castle complex is located in the centre, surrounded by an internal stone wall, two battle towers and two entrances - north and south. It consists of a throne hall, castle church and the king's chamber. The restoration of the fortress Tsarevets began in 1930 and was completed in 1981 in honour of the 1300 anniversary from the establishment of the Bulgarian state. Kings Petar, Asen, Kaloyan and Ivan Asen the second lived there. Baldwin's Tower, a modern reconstruction of a medieval tower modeled after the tower in Cherven and built in 1930, is in the southeastern part of the fortress. It is at the place of the original medieval tower where Latin EmperorBaldwin I of Constantinople found his death as a prisoner of Kaloyan of Bulgaria. During the Middle Ages, residential buildings, craftsman's workshops and numerous churches and monasteries were situated on the slopes of the Tsarevets hill. Archaeologists have discovered 400 residential buildings, differentiated in quarters, over 22 churches and 4 monasteries. Tsarevets hill is also the location of Execution Rock, an outcropping over the Yantra River from which traitors were pushed to their deaths and their bodies fell into the river. There Patriarch Joachim was executed by the Tsar Theodore Svetoslav in the year 1300.

Valentin VasilevValentin Vasilev

A Romantic attraction in medieval capital Veliko Tarnovo. Strategically positioned on a hill, this is the place of kings and princesses of the middle ages. Also of the old time patriarchy. However, the orthodox Byzantine style church on top is decorated in mid 20th Century style with scenes of Bulgarian History. Tourists expecting the Byzantine icons in the Bulgarian orthodox church will be disappointed. But it is a good opportunity to get an illustrated introduction to the history of the place. In summer there is a beautiful light show which can be seen from the city (there is a spot with seats at the entrance to Tsarevets, but you have to be there well in advance to get a place). The light show can also be seen from top of some Veliko Tarnovo hotels. Ask at reception of your hotel for a good spot. Shows are also organized on demand for a certain number of tourists against cost. A pleasant entertainment.

Olga ReceOlga Rece

The fortress itself is well looked after and preserved. It really is a wonderful place to have a peaceful stroll to enjoy history, culture and of course, nature and views of the city. Clean allover. It is best to go in the morning to avoid crowds and tour groups. There are a few things that I personally feel is daylight robbery (and I'm sure that a lot of others might feel the same but are too shy to mention it). 1. You have to pay 1 Lev to use the toilet which has NO toilet paper. 2. if you want to go up to the lookout point by the church, you have to pay another 3 lev as well. 3. Drinks in the vendor machines and any of the souvenirs inside and outside of the fortress are overpriced. You already pay a lot for entry and then you have to pay to use the toilet or to go up to the viewpoint??? If that's not daylight robbery then I'm a donkey.

Nadia DutrieuxNadia Dutrieux

Cetatea Tsarevets este situata in Veliko Tarnovo - a treia capitala a Bulgariei (1185-1193) dupa Pliska si Preslav...orașul are doi munți fortificați în mod natural - Trapezitsa și Tsarevets, cu reședința țarului și a patriarhului bulgar....astăzi sunt vizibile zidurile cetății, turnurile, porțile și bisericile....în luminile proiectului Light and Sound, Tsarevets cu toate clădirile sale arată fantastic....după 1185, Bulgaria s-a ridicat cu succes după răsturnarea stăpânirii bizantine....liderii eliberării au încercat să elibereze precedenta capitală Preslav, dar au pierdut bătălia...prin urmare, au proclamat Tarnovo noua capitală a statului eliberat....aceasta nu a fost o alegere întâmplătoare - locul era de o mare importanță strategică și era fortificat în mod natural....situat la o răscruce importantă, orașul Veliko Tarnovo a jucat un rol cheie în lupta bulgărească împotriva Imperiului Bizantin...domnitorul bulgar a adunat toată puterea din stat, toate pârghiile puterii au fost concentrate în palatul regelui, situat pe muntele fortificat Tsarevets....aici se desfășurau toate treburile administrative, militare, intelectuale și religioase, se desfășura activitatea diplomatică și era centrul economic al statului....întreaga viață a orașului a fost construită în jurul reședinței regelui....în 1235, Patriarhia Constantinopolului a permis Bulgariei să restabilească drepturile bisericii....o dovadă a importanței bisericii a fost că reședința Patriarhului era situată pe vârful muntelui regal Tsarevets....complexul patriarhal se află încă pe cea mai înaltă terasă a Muntelui Tsarevets, la sud de palatul țarului bulgar....complexul simbolizează puterea bisericii creștine, inspiră și aduce respect credinței....acest complex include o curte în jurul căreia sunt amplasate diferite clădiri cu diferite scopuri - case, trapeze, clădiri administrative, o bibliotecă și o cameră pentru manuscrise....întregul complex ocupă o suprafață de 1413 mp...spre deosebire de alte complexe monahale de lângă Tarnovo, Patriarhia are ziduri de protecție - o structură puternică care se potrivește configurației terenului....după capturarea Bulgariei de către turci, Tsarevets a fost uitat și neglijat și a revenit la viață doar datorită arheologilor și restauratorilor, ca parte a istoriei de 1300 de ani a Bulgariei și a poporului bulgar....

Liviu IAMANDILiviu IAMANDI

Fake, fake, fake! Why do people bother to go to this place in such great numbers is beyond me. Sure, I assume the view over the city from up there is cool but it is a travesty of history what they have done. You have better luck finding something historically accurate by going to Disneyland. This place was wiped out by the Romans after the fall of the Asens state and then fell into ruin with zero interest for it until the 20th century when the communists, instead of respecting history, decided to make what is basically a playground over what few ruins might have been here. If you like fantasy and good views, by all means, waste your 💰 there, but if you like history and truth don't bother

Klaus WandererKlaus Wanderer

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo is a must-see for anyone visiting Bulgaria. Perched high on a hill, it offers fantastic views and a deep dive into the country's medieval history. As you walk around, you'll see remnants of the royal palace and other ancient buildings that showcase the grandeur of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Don't miss the "Sound and Light" show, which uses lights and music to bring the history of this great empire to life in a spectacular way, especially at night. Although the fortress can get busy, it's spacious enough to enjoy without feeling overcrowded. Tsarevets is a standout destination for those interested in Bulgaria’s rich past and stunning landscapes.

Nikola DionisievNikola Dionisiev

Tsarevets Fortress

Plan your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Veliko Tarnovo

Affordable Hotels in Veliko Tarnovo

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Veliko Tarnovo

Posts

Nearby Attractions Of Tsarevets Fortress

Museum of Illusions

Mini-Bulgaria Park

Trapezitsa Fortress

Yantra Grand Hotel

Multimedia visitor centre "Tsarevgrad Tarnov"

Holy Forty Martyrs Church

VIP Hall and room Sound and Light

St. Mary

The Love Swing

Baldwin's Tower

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