Have you ever heard of Veliko Tarnovo? It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, and is very charming. In the 13th century, it was the Second Bulgarian Kingdom’s capital, and is often nicknamed as the “City of Tsars.”
Day 7, Monday, June 29: Veliko Tarnovo
In the morning, we enjoyed some free time in Bucharest before traveling by a minibus to Veliko Tarnovo. Steve end I checked out a local market, close to our hotel, full of incredible produce.
Our journey to Bulgaria began around 11 am. After stopping for a short time in front of the Palace of Parliament, we continued the 4-hour drive. (See my previous post to learn more about the Parliament.)
We reached Bulgaria around 1 pm.
After checking into Hotel Concorde – in the central part of Veliko Tarnovo – we started exploring the town with a local guide. The town is an artistic place with local traditions, crafts, and unique architecture. Situated in the valley along one of the longest rivers in Bulgaria, the Yantra, with its around 70,000 residents some say it’s a perfect size, and is very walkable.
Our first stop was at the Mother of Bulgaria Monument, which is dedicated to Bulgarian soldiers who have been killed in wars.
Continued on Craft Street, a winding street with local craft shops, cafes, and unique statues, we were trying to decipher the cyrillic alphabet on signs.
Walked by an Orthodox church, the remarkable Nativity of Mary Cathedral, from where there was a great view of the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the town (which we were planning to visit the next day).
Overall, the colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, murals, and the view of the town gave the unmistakable European charm that I liked very much.
The day ended with dinner at the restaurant called Shtastliveca. Our group had the chance for the first time to enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine. I ordered stuffed dolna peppers with minced lamb, veal, and lentils – and it was amazing!
