Tsarevets, Medieval fortress on Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
The fortress complex includes a royal palace, patriarchal chambers, and thick stone walls stretching across an elevated position above the Yantra River.
Between 1185 and 1393, Tsarevets served as the primary stronghold of the Second Bulgarian Empire until Ottoman forces captured it after a three-month siege.
The Cathedral of the Ascension contains modern frescoes depicting significant events and figures from the Second Bulgarian Empire's two-century reign.
The fortress remains open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with English-speaking guides available for hire at the tourist information center.
The Execution Rock, positioned high above the Yantra River, marks the location where medieval rulers sentenced traitors to death by throwing them over the edge.
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Part of: 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria, Regional Museum of History
Address: пл. Цар Иван-Асен, Велико Търново, 5000
Website: https://tsarevets.eu
GPS coordinates: 43.08330,25.65280
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:51
Bulgaria features ancient and medieval buildings, Orthodox churches, mountain monasteries, history and art museums, as well as natural sites like lakes, forests, and mountain resorts. The country is home to Roman baths, Thracian tombs, Byzantine fortresses, royal palaces, and monuments from the communist era. It also has several historic towns along the Black Sea coast.
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