Religion/ Icons

The soft radiance of the Bulgarian icon is a grand dimension of the fate, stability and spiritual evolution of the Bulgarians after their conversion to Christianity during the 9th century. Nameless master painters filled the dead iconographic scheme with life, exquisiteness and bursts of colour. The canonical ascetic faces were replaced by youthful looking saints, humble hermits, venerable prophets and lifelike portraits of the Blessed Virgin. Their deep-set eyes radiate wisdom and a love of mankind. The virtuoso line and the vivid, exuberant colour imposed a new ideal of beauty, previously unknown in the Christian world.

The tradition of the Bulgarian icon was enriched throughout its millennial history before attaining its zenith during the National Revival period (17th-19th century). The time was ripe for the manifestation of the great artistic tastes and talents of Bulgarians. Whole families of gifted artists brought fame to the three icon-painting schools of Troyan, Samokov and Bansko. Their art works adorned not only the newly built churches, but also Bulgarian homes. This explains why icons are so dear to the Bulgarian heart.

The most valuable examples of our icon-painting heritage today are displayed in the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral and the National Museum of Church History and Archaeology in Sofia, the Museum of History of Art in Varna and the Museum of Wood-carving and Painting in Tryavna. A considerable part is kept in the altars of churches and monasteries throughout the country.
Monasteries

There are two monasteries in the village of Arbanassi, 3 km From Tsarevets Hotel.

Between the 16th century and its tragic devastation two centuries later the village - one of the wealthiest in preliberation Bulgaria, boasted a rich and unusual house architecture, which was the work of skilled masters from different parts of the country.

St. Nikola Monastery was part of the widespread religious construction under the 'Assen dynasty', the founders of the Second Bulgarian State. Its artistic and historical value lies above all in the surviving murals in the St. Elija Chapel, probably dating from 1716: a monumental figure of Christ the Great Archangel, 12 scenes from the Holy Akathistos, and 6 scenes from the life of Christ. The effective colouring and rich palette, the confidence in the portrayal of the human figures, the unusually varied architectural decoration reveal the hand of a master from a superior and more erudite school. The filigree wooden iconostasis in the chapel, with its delicate and exquisite decorations, is an extremely valuable treasure.
Though situated in the same village, the Holy Virgin Monastery suffered a different, though no less tragic fate. It is not known how it survived the attacks in 1393. What has remained of them warrants the assumption that they, too were painted by travelling artists - highly paid at the time, but quite affordable by the wealthy inhabitants of the village of Arbanassi. At the Holy Virgin Monastery too, the Tryavna School has left valuable icons behind.
Veliko Turnovo Museums

The Old Konak, designed by Kolyo Ficheto in 1872, has seen many key historical events and now houses the Museum of the National Revival and the Constituent Assembly.

The Architectural Reserve of Tsarevets protects the mediaeval fortress walls and gates, including Baldwin Tower, the Palace and the ruins of the Church of the Blessed Saviour as well as the Trapezitsa Elevation, on the opposite bank of the river Yantra, which snakes round all structures in such a manner as to provide a natural defiance. The Trapezitsa Elevation is noted for the many churches and other buildings excavated there.

Another architectural reserve protects the ancient houses to be found in the Varosha and Bazhdarluk districts.

Among other interests in the town are the Ethnographic Museum housed in the Inn of Nikola Hadzhi which was again designed by Kolyo Ficheto and a number of churches including the St. Dimitar, the Forty Holy Martyrs and the St. Constantine and St. Helena.

Noted for its unique monumental stone houses along with churches and drinking fountains, Arbanasi, (one of the most picturesque villages in the region) can be found approximately 4 km north of Veliko Turnovo. With interiors and upper facades remaining characteristic of revival period architecture. The House Museum in particular include that of Konstantsaliev, the Town History Museum in Hadzhiiliev House and Nikolchokostov's House.

Evangelie
Ancient ruins-images carved on rocks

Tsarevets Fortress

Tsarevets Fortress- Magnificent , historical fortress is a must for any visitor to Veliko Turnavo

Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria Old Town, Veliko Turnovo

This historic Fortress is three hours or so northeast from Plovdiv, over two mountain ranges and through the "Valley of Roses" to Veliko Turnovo. Billed as the heart of medieval Bulgaria, it is a town scattered on various sides of a gorge that rests among a series of hills.

The Tsarevets Fortress commands the highest ridge top, its walls encircling a triangular-shaped plateau.
Walking across the former drawbridge and passing through the fortress' gates, you are immediately in this historical element. If you love historical sights, then you could spend days here. Walk along the fortress' walls, peering from the guard towers at the dramatic views of the town rising up on the opposite slopes, and examine the ruins of churches and buildings scattered across the grounds. You will however need to be in good physical condition as by the end of the day you will feel as if you have walked a marathon.

In the center of the plateau are the castle-like ruins of the Royal Palace. Veliko Turnovo is called the City of the Tsars, as many of Bulgaria's Tsars and kings ruled from here. On the hill's highest point is the Patriarch's Complex. From the town, its spire is an awesome sight. However, the interior of the building is a disappointment. Instead of ancient frescoes or austere stone, there are modern-art murals on the walls, with distended, impressionistic figures illustrating Bulgaria's interesting history.

After exploring this magnificent fortress, you can enjoy a break at the cafe to enjoy the fortress' wonderful views of the town...and to rest your feet.
Veliko Turnovo is beautiful and Like many people across the world who have visited this historical sight you really need to be here to appreciate its medieval beauty. And as the "Heart of Medieval Bulgaria," Tsarevets Fortress is certainly that!

ARTS CRAFTS AND CULTURE

Veliko Tarnovo 'The Medieval Capital of the Bulgarian Kingdom'.
The city of Veliko Tarnovo occupies a prominent place in Bulgarian history, having been populated during the Neolithic period, as well as being an important settlement region for Thracians, Romans and Byzantines. Veliko Tarnovo gained its greatest importance during the high Middle Ages, and was the political, spiritual and cultural centre of the Bulgarian Kingdom.

You can best experience the citys impressive history on Tsarevets Hill. A well-preserved fortress wall surrounds the entire hill and its numerous excavations from different time periods. You can marvel at the fortress towers, numerous basilicas, churches and various buildings.

Today the historic appearance of the city is still shaped by the traditional architecture from the 18th and 19th century. While the entire city is nestled in the steep slopes of the gorge. A stroll along Gurko Street, the most well preserved street from the Revival period, will give you an impressive view of the yantra river valley, as well as the full scope of the citys architecture. At the end of your stroll, experience 19th century life in the Sarafkina House, which features a typical interior from that time period and boasts a large collection of garments, jewellery, household utensils and ceramic vessels.

Samovodska Charshiya will give you a breath of romance in the old part of Veliko Tarnovo. As one of the liveliest and crowded main streets of the city. Today it keeps the spirit of the Bulgarian revival and is a living museum of arts and crafts. The craftsmen still use old technologies and original tools while working in front of the visitors.

The ethnographic museum village of Etara is one of the most interesting and frequently visited tourist destinations in Bulgaria, buildings from the Bulgarian National Revival period are located in a picturesque valley about 40km southwest of Veliko Tarnovo. Here you can also experience traditional workshops lining an artisan street where you can watch craftsmen at work. Special features of Etara are the many traditional water operated works such as mills, a black smiths shop, sawmill, wooden lathe and whetstone.

ARBANASSI
The Village of Arbanassi, one of Bulgarias most attractive settlements, is located on a high plateau 4km northeast of Veliko Tarnovo. Traditional architectural styles are maintained throughout the village, and fortified houses from the 17th century are well preserved and open to the public as museums. You can also visit many preserved churches and monasteries from the 16th and 17th centuries.

ELENA
The romantic small town of Elena lies some 40km southeast of Veliko Tarnovo in the Balkan Range, in the lovely Elena river valley. The unspoiled scenery, dense forests, and crystal clear mountain springs make it an ideal destination for walks, active holidays, hunting and fishing. The town is also famous for its extraordinary brandy and specially cured ham, which can only be found in this town due to its specific climate.

BOZHENTSI
This small historic village of Bozhentsi is located approximately 40km southwest of Veliko Tarnovo, and as in Arbanassi traditional architectural styles from the 17th century are protected and maintained. Here too you will find museums, an old church and village life as it was in the olden times.