Nearby Places To Visit
Known as "Bulgaria's Tuscany"
Veliko Tarnovo (just 10min drive away)
There are two main parts in Veliko Turnovo; the Old Town, and the modern part of the city. In the Old Town you can find a large number of museums that show, and tell the five thousand year history of the town.
One of the oldest streets in VT is Gurko Street. Here you will see the collection of architectural marvels for the Bulgarian National Revival period. The Samovodene Market, which is as ancient as the city itself must also be checked out as skilled artisans make their wares this is the perfect place to get that souvenir.
Holidaying in Veliko Turnovo, is not only fun, but is filled with high points at all times, because of the large number of tourist attractions. For instance, Preobrazhenski Monastery located on top of a hill is not only appealing to visit, it is also ancient, and the hike to the top of the point of interest, is an adventure in itself. For the younger members of the family there is the new Central Mall where all in this one building you have a cinema, bowling alley and that all important shopping Mall !! The nightlife in Veliko Tarnovo is amazing.
Finally, no visit to a location can ever be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and treating your taste buds to local foods, and treats. Veliko Turnovo is a gastronomical centre that offers a wide range of meals and foods to tourists and locals alike. Most restaurants not only offer great local cuisines, but do it the traditional Bulgarian way, where the food is served on wooden tables, with red table cloths and ceramic plates.
With all this plus the historical monuments and locations VT will offer your eyes a visual feast that you will not forget any time soon.
One of the oldest streets in VT is Gurko Street. Here you will see the collection of architectural marvels for the Bulgarian National Revival period. The Samovodene Market, which is as ancient as the city itself must also be checked out as skilled artisans make their wares this is the perfect place to get that souvenir.
Holidaying in Veliko Turnovo, is not only fun, but is filled with high points at all times, because of the large number of tourist attractions. For instance, Preobrazhenski Monastery located on top of a hill is not only appealing to visit, it is also ancient, and the hike to the top of the point of interest, is an adventure in itself. For the younger members of the family there is the new Central Mall where all in this one building you have a cinema, bowling alley and that all important shopping Mall !! The nightlife in Veliko Tarnovo is amazing.
Finally, no visit to a location can ever be complete without sampling the local cuisine, and treating your taste buds to local foods, and treats. Veliko Turnovo is a gastronomical centre that offers a wide range of meals and foods to tourists and locals alike. Most restaurants not only offer great local cuisines, but do it the traditional Bulgarian way, where the food is served on wooden tables, with red table cloths and ceramic plates.
With all this plus the historical monuments and locations VT will offer your eyes a visual feast that you will not forget any time soon.
Tsaravets Fortress
Undoubtedly, the highlight of Veliko Turnovo, and one of the major attractions in Bulgaria, is the Tsarevets Citadel, The hill, located in the eastern part of Veliko Turnovo is a natural fortress, it is surrounded by the Yantra River, a narrow and high neck connects the hill with the land.
The Romans built the first fortress walls, and, in the 5th century AD, a Byzantine citadel was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. Next came the Slavs who captured the town in the 7th century and the fortress was rebuilt by Slavs and Bulgars between the 8th and 10th centuries, and again by the Byzantines in the early 12th century. The fortress reached its peak when, under the able leadership of the Bulgarian brothers Asen and Petur.
The Byzantine chronicler Nikita Honiat had praised it as "the most beautiful town among all the towns along the Hemus".
Archaeologists have so far uncovered remains of over 400 houses, 18 churches and numerous monasteries, dwellings, shops, gates and towers. The outer walls of the fortress have been restored and all archaeological finds inside are displayed intact and exhibited as they were discovered. Central among them are the ruins of the royal palace with the Baldwin Tower and the patriarch's church. Many churches have been preserved as monuments of early medieval architecture and painting. It is advisable to arrange a guided tour in advance.
The Sound & Light show, not to be missed, illuminates the whole of Tsarevets Hill in a stunningly colourful display, accompanied by a stirring musical soundtrack.
Designed to tell the history of Bulgaria through the ages, the sound & light show is a stunning sight, especially when viewed from the terrace of open-air seating opposite the entrance to the fortress. The show could take place on any day after dark and runs for about 20 minutes.
The Romans built the first fortress walls, and, in the 5th century AD, a Byzantine citadel was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. Next came the Slavs who captured the town in the 7th century and the fortress was rebuilt by Slavs and Bulgars between the 8th and 10th centuries, and again by the Byzantines in the early 12th century. The fortress reached its peak when, under the able leadership of the Bulgarian brothers Asen and Petur.
The Byzantine chronicler Nikita Honiat had praised it as "the most beautiful town among all the towns along the Hemus".
Archaeologists have so far uncovered remains of over 400 houses, 18 churches and numerous monasteries, dwellings, shops, gates and towers. The outer walls of the fortress have been restored and all archaeological finds inside are displayed intact and exhibited as they were discovered. Central among them are the ruins of the royal palace with the Baldwin Tower and the patriarch's church. Many churches have been preserved as monuments of early medieval architecture and painting. It is advisable to arrange a guided tour in advance.
The Sound & Light show, not to be missed, illuminates the whole of Tsarevets Hill in a stunningly colourful display, accompanied by a stirring musical soundtrack.
Designed to tell the history of Bulgaria through the ages, the sound & light show is a stunning sight, especially when viewed from the terrace of open-air seating opposite the entrance to the fortress. The show could take place on any day after dark and runs for about 20 minutes.
Hotnitsa Waterfall
Hotnitsa Village is located just a few minutes from Pushevo. As your drive out of Hotnitsa the views are amazing ! You suddenly come across what we call the mini Grand Canyon which is absolutely stunning. Craggy hillsides envelope the river as it makes its way through the countryside. Hotnitsa waterfall is a hidden gem. Here you can swim and sunbathe at the side of the waterfall. In summer months you can buy refreshments, beers and snacks. There is a BBQ area where you just take your coals and cook whatever you desire. As you climb over the logged bridges you can follow the paths at the side of the waterfall which will bring out the Indiana Jones in any of us !!! Here you will cross bridges and ponds and have your very own mini adventure. Once at the top you can see the waterfall from the very top cascading down !
Arbanassi
Arbanassi has been declared a historical settlement of national significance.
The village is situated 4 km north east of Veliko Tarnovo, on a high plateau revealing beautiful views of the Tsarevets and Trapezitsa hills.
The village is a very popular tourist destination with its remarkable old houses and churches with detailed wooden ornaments and wall paintings.
The whole complex is a monument of Bulgarian architectural art, built during the 16th to 18th century.
The whole complex is a remarkable site. The famous Arbanassi houses are unique. The oldest buildings are like small fortresses, completely made of stone. They have strong stone gates and sentry boxes.
It is not only the remarkable houses that are very interesting in Arbanassi. There are spectacular fountains with big eaves and the seven Arbanassi churches are among the most remarkable monuments of the Bulgarian art. Traditional lace, trinkets and souvenirs are a plenty.
The village is situated 4 km north east of Veliko Tarnovo, on a high plateau revealing beautiful views of the Tsarevets and Trapezitsa hills.
The village is a very popular tourist destination with its remarkable old houses and churches with detailed wooden ornaments and wall paintings.
The whole complex is a monument of Bulgarian architectural art, built during the 16th to 18th century.
The whole complex is a remarkable site. The famous Arbanassi houses are unique. The oldest buildings are like small fortresses, completely made of stone. They have strong stone gates and sentry boxes.
It is not only the remarkable houses that are very interesting in Arbanassi. There are spectacular fountains with big eaves and the seven Arbanassi churches are among the most remarkable monuments of the Bulgarian art. Traditional lace, trinkets and souvenirs are a plenty.
Chiflika Pool & Complex
Just down the road from Pushevo is the picturesque village of Ledenik. With views over the stunning mountain range, sit and relax around the pool or its stunning gardens. Also at the complex is 170 seater restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian dishes. A favourite of ours is the flaming meat sach. mixed meat served on a clay platter in special sauce and then flambeyed at your table ! Delicious !!
Visit the website www.chiflikabg.com
Visit the website www.chiflikabg.com
Nicopolis Ad Istrum
The Roman City Nikopolis ad Istrum is just off the main E85 Veliko Tarnovo to Ruse Road. The nearest village is called Nikyup and is a typical Bulgarian Village. The Roman city is the most amazing site and well worth stopping off to see. It is still under excavation with students visiting every summer. At the rear you can follow the tracks to the river and visit the Roman spring giving you the opportunity to see the earthworks on which the city was situated. There are many sites that have detailed write-ups, artist impressions and current photographs. Take a look and you will not be disappointed.
Bozhentsi
Bozhentsi is a charming Bulgarian village located outside of Gabravo south of Veliko Tarnovo, it is about a 1 hour drive.
The village of Bozhentsi was proclaimed an architectural and historical reserve in 1964 and is part of UNESCO's cultural monuments. The National Revival architecture has been preserved in Bozhentsi due to this, any new building must be in keeping with the 'authentic' style. There are charming restaurants and the majority of the houses are well presented. Bozhentsi is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon strolling around, maybe enjoy a cool drink or a snack in one of the garden restaurants. Park outside the village, before the bridge. It is a short walk to the village from here , whilst walking you can admire the historic houses.
Bozhentsi is portrayed a a typical Bulgarian village, it is far from typical its more a romantic preserve.
The village of Bozhentsi was proclaimed an architectural and historical reserve in 1964 and is part of UNESCO's cultural monuments. The National Revival architecture has been preserved in Bozhentsi due to this, any new building must be in keeping with the 'authentic' style. There are charming restaurants and the majority of the houses are well presented. Bozhentsi is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon strolling around, maybe enjoy a cool drink or a snack in one of the garden restaurants. Park outside the village, before the bridge. It is a short walk to the village from here , whilst walking you can admire the historic houses.
Bozhentsi is portrayed a a typical Bulgarian village, it is far from typical its more a romantic preserve.
The Dryanovo Monastery
The Dryanovo Monastery is a functioning Bulgarian Orthadox monastery situated in the Andaka River Valley, in Bulgaria Nature Park in the central part of Bulgaria just five kilometers away from the town of Dryanovo. It was founded in the 12th century, during the Second Bulgarian Empire , and is dedicated to Archangel Michael. Twice burnt down and pillaged during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria the monastery was restored at it present place in 1845. It was the site of several battles during the April Uprising of 1876. Gift shops and restaurants are quirky and traditional lace, honey and souvenirs are a must.
Caves and rock climbing:
The Bacho Kiro Cave (Dryanovo Cave) is located near the monastery. The cave has electric and open for visitors. The cave has waterfall, very interesting formations and a spring.
Rock climbing: Rocks with height from 5m to 80m near the Dryanovo monastery are suitable for climbing.
Caves and rock climbing:
The Bacho Kiro Cave (Dryanovo Cave) is located near the monastery. The cave has electric and open for visitors. The cave has waterfall, very interesting formations and a spring.
Rock climbing: Rocks with height from 5m to 80m near the Dryanovo monastery are suitable for climbing.
Tryavna
The historical and architectural reservation in Tryavna is among its main attractions. Some of the best examples of buildings from the Bulgarian Renaissance period have been well preserved. The seven museum collections contain unique pieces of art from the late medieval period, such as icons and woodcarvings.The town of Tryavna has preserved its old town
square, the only one left in the country, which has been proclaimed as a Monument of Architecture. Fantastic resturants, independant shops and souvineer hunting stalls are a sight to behold.
square, the only one left in the country, which has been proclaimed as a Monument of Architecture. Fantastic resturants, independant shops and souvineer hunting stalls are a sight to behold.
Bryasta Pool & Restaurant.
Budludza
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Sitting on top a mountain like an abandoned flying saucer, this giant structure looks like it was created on another planet.
The House of the Bulgarian Communist Party was built in another era, however, one that long ago crumbled along with the way of life it embodied. For the more adventurous you can even go inside ! After the fall of the Iron curtain in 1989, Bulgaria moved into a new age of parliamentary democracy. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117506/Monument-troubled-past-Inside-crumbling-communist-HQ-Bulgaria-afford-maintain-demolish.html#ixzz3qcAmOKA4 |
Etara Open air Museum
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Architectural ethnographic complex "Etar" is the first one of this type in Bulgaria. He was found on the 7 of September 1964 year. The museum is situated 8 km South of Gabrovo.
In AEK "Etar" is the only one and unique collection of the old-times water-driven machinery in Bulgaria . It consist 10 objects and its one of the most riches and well kept active technical collection around the European museums on the open air. This is the reason the water wheel to be the emblem to the Etar.The most important specialty to the collection is that all objects are in action as it was it the past. The craftsman trade street offers 16 models to the Balkan architecture, showing the original talant to Revival builders. |
Prohodna Caves (The Eyes Of God Caves)
Featured more recently on the blockbuster hit "Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn this is a must on your list of things to do. It is a bit of a longer drive from Hillside but SO worth it. Prohodna cave.
As you enter the cave through a very large cave entrance you can easily walk down into the centre of the cave. If you look up you may even see rock climbers on the ceiling of the cave. As you reach the "eyes" just look up !! AMAZING! Words cannot describe this wonderful spectacular right before your eyes. Carry on walking through the cave ... it is rumoured you can fly a small plane straight through the cave.
As you enter the cave through a very large cave entrance you can easily walk down into the centre of the cave. If you look up you may even see rock climbers on the ceiling of the cave. As you reach the "eyes" just look up !! AMAZING! Words cannot describe this wonderful spectacular right before your eyes. Carry on walking through the cave ... it is rumoured you can fly a small plane straight through the cave.
