Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is a municipality and regional capital in northern Bulgaria that spreads over several hills carved by bends of the Yantra River. Neighborhoods cling to steep slopes and offer open views across the river loops, while narrow lanes connect different levels of the townscape.

The settlement became the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 12th century and remained the political center of the region for roughly two centuries. After the empire's fall it lost its central role and was later revived as a regional administrative hub.

The name comes from Slavic roots likely meaning large thornbush, a reference to the vegetation that once covered the surrounding slopes. Today the town serves as a regional center for education and crafts, with many workshops producing traditional textiles and jewelry.

The old town is best explored on foot and sturdy shoes are recommended because of cobblestones and uphill stretches. Bus stops are located in the center and provide connections to other regions as well as nearby villages.

On Gurko Street the upper floors of many houses project beyond the lower ones and form a kind of canopy over the walkways. This construction method originally emerged to gain more living space on limited ground and today shapes the local townscape.