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| SIGHTS OF THE TOWN |
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If you should happen to visit this unusual city, whose stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep bank of the Yantra river, you will first be taken to see Tzarevets - the place of the patriarchal church and royal palaces, the hill where Bauldouin's Tower still rises, linked with the legend of the Latin Emperor Bauldouin of Flanders, who was captured by Tzar Kaloyan.
Then you will be shown another hill: Trapezitsa - where the foundations of 17 mediaeval churches were discovered. It has preserved colorful murals and architectural silhouettes from different ages for generations, and left us to ponder the eternal wisdom, chiselled into the column of Khan Omourtag: "Man, no matter how well he lives, dies and another is born...".
Don’t miss the chance to stop at the Cathedral church “The Birth of the Holy Virgin” – the biggest active church in the city, as well as the museum of The Bulgarian Revival and the Constituent Assembly, located at the old “Konak” (Turkish municipal building), built by master Nikola Fichev. This is also the building where the Tarnovo Constitution was made in 1879.
You will marvel and enthuse over the Bulgarian National Revival period architectural ensembles on Gurko Street, the old Nikola Inn and the St. Constantine and St. Helena Church. A visit to the exhibitions of the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum reveals the museum town's rich history.
Another part of the old town from the same period is “Varosha”. There you’ll find the “Samovodska Charshia” the old traditions connected with this part of the Revival period town, and the wish to revive the national crafts as part of the Bulgarian artistic heritage led to the idea of restoring the craftsmen's market place. Today it is a living museum in Veliko Tarnovo. Also you will find the “St. Nicolas” and “St.St. Cyril and Methodius” Churches, and from the highest points of the quarter you can witness a breathtaking view towards the whole city.
The monument of the Assens, is situated on a beautiful terrace above the curb of the Yantra River and offers a magnificent view of the old town with its unique architecture and lay-out of the town. IT was built in honor of the 800th anniversary from the proclamation of Tarnovo as the capital of Bulgaria. It is the most prominent monument in the city, and near it the StambolovBridge and State Art Gallery are located.
While you’re at Veliko Tarnovo, don’t miss the chance to witness the unique audio-visual show “Sound and Light”. You can only find similar shows at few other around the world. Through the power of music and spectacular illumination, this programme aims to create an unforgettable and emotional image of the Tsarevets Hill and Castle treasuring up the history, grandeur and glory of the ancient capital city of Turnovgrad which has become synonymous with the Bulgarian spirit and national pride.
The very first sounds will take you to an unreal world, far back into the centuries when these lands were inhabited by Thracians, Slavs and proto-Bulgarians. The music theme evokes thoughts about the creation of the Bulgarian State in 681, the struggles for its consolidation and the peaceful constructive labour of the freedom-loving Bulgarian people.
Gradually, the rhythm intensifies and new themes are introduced to symbolize the invasions of one enemy or another, the most painful one being the Byzantine invasion in 1018. The motherland falls under the oppressive five-century slavery but the national spirit and self-awareness are preserved. All of a sudden you hear the sweet voice of the wooden flute bursting through the chaotic sounds of slavery and people's hardship and expressing the innermost dreams of freedom. A call to arms arises and the people revolt but liberty is not easy to achieve. It comes with the bayonets of the Russian armies and Bulgarian volunteers. Bathed in sunshine and delight Turnovgrad meets the liberators. Festive bells toll in praise of the liberated city.
This is the beginning of a new future of Turnovgrad which will witness other battles and victories but it will advance with confidence to reach today's progress. The song "Many Happy Returns" performed by a choir seems to come from the hill burning in red flames and it praises the glory of the Bulgarian people. This spectacle is not a reconstruction of the past but it is its interpretation and bridge to the present and the future.
Source Name: http://www.vtbulgaria.com
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| Friday, Oct 29, 2010 |
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| » RENTALS |
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| Apartment |
€ 230 |
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| Location: |
Veliko Tarnovo |
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