Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Medieval Orthodox church in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a church building in central Veliko Tarnovo with three interior naves supported by two rows of columns adorned with carved capitals. These decorative capitals display carved details that reflect the architectural craftsmanship of its era.
The building was constructed in 1201 under orders from Anna, the wife of Tsar Ivan Asen II. After 1393, the Bulgarian Patriarchate used the building as a temporary seat when political circumstances changed in the region.
The walls inside display images of holy figures that visitors encounter as they walk through the space. These pictures tell stories of people who were honored in the city of Edessa.
Visitors should note that the building has a protective outer layer surrounding the original structure to safeguard the delicate interior walls. This protective layer means that architectural elements from earlier Bulgarian centers were incorporated as support materials.
Visitors are often surprised to learn that this location actually contains two church structures, with the newer outer shell protecting the older one inside. The inner church preserves its original features this way, while the outer layer prevents gradual deterioration.
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