Veliko Tarnovo - the capital of Bulgaria during the second Bulgarian kingdom

Veliko Tarnovo has been a city before the establishment of Bulgaria as an independent country, back in the year of 681. It has been reinforced by the Roman empire as a strategic city in it's periphery. It has a very long history. In more recent times, after the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman empire, the first Bulgarian constitution, called The constitution of Tarnovo, has been accepted and the independence of Bulgaria proclaimed in the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

The district has a unique and rich cultural and historical heritage and boasts beautiful natural surroundings.

The administrative center of the district is the town of Veliko Tarnovo. It is impossible to speak impartiality of the town. It was a capital of the medieval Bulgarian State. Every stone in Veliko Tarnovo tells a unique history. The Bulgarian people continue to celebrate the values of this long and rich history.

Veliko Tarnovo also has a dynamic and modern present and goals for the future. Its major aim is to slowly but surely become a European region with sustainable development like the regions in the European Union countries by utilizing a favorable climate for investments, working on new projects, business and infrastructure plans.

Veliko Tarnovo district works for the achievement of sustainable and balanced development through: implementing of modern and high-effective forms of international tourism; drawing of high technologies in the industry; active attracting of local and foreign investment. These activities are expected to result in improvement of the life standard of the population of the district.

Strategy for regional development has been elaborated in order to ensure the development processes in Veliko Tarnovo region. The vision of the district is determined and overall strategic goal is formulated.

Vision: “Veliko Tarnovo district – European region with leading role as an industrial, transport-logistical, tourist, cultural and educational center; attractive for investors, people and tourists; achieving stable and balanced territory development; and ensuring security, clean and harmonic environment and good living standard”.

The overall strategic goal, formulated in the Strategy for Regional Development: “Achievement of economic growth and improvement in quality of life on complex and balanced development of the district”, is decomposed to few priorities. They are:

Economic dynamism and regional competitiveness;

Infrastructure and environment;

Quality of life;

Territorial cohesion;

Sustainable alternative tourism;

Institutional environment.

Veliko Tarnovo is famous with its reach history and the castle called “Tsarevets”. An audio-visual show is taking place there every year and upon request.

The palace of the king and the Patriarchate – the two main institution at that time were built in “Tsarevets”. The hill was protected by fortified wall , with length near 2 kilometers and width up to 2.60 m and many towels. The castle had only 3 entrances. The main entrance is on west and it was very narrow rocky road, protected by three doors and towels. Nowadays “Tsarevets” is monument and is also one of the 100 national tourist attractions.

The audio-visual show called “Sound and Light” is unique attraction for Europe . Similar shows there are in not more than three places in the world. The visitors of the Egyptian Pyramids can enjoy similar show.

Dramatic music, parti-colored lights, lasers and Church-bells brought together are relating the glorious and tragic story of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1393). The show is unique attraction and part of the magic of Veliko Tarnovo. The hundreds of part-colored lights, the three laser rays are producing moments of the Bulgarian history, the battles against the Ottoman hordes, the years of the Turkish yoke, the revolution movement and the Independence.

The best place to watch it is at the square in front of Tsarevets Castle . Before the show you can call +35962 636828 for reservation. Shooting and filming are not prohibited, but is not recommended. You can find high quality cards with moments from the show on sale everywhere in Veliko Tarnovo.

The music for the show was especially composed and the whole show is “conducted” by computer. The Castle of the Middle Ages is opening its doors, the hills of Tsarevets are becoming alive and are telling the story again and again for the great and glorious Tarnovgrad (Veliko Tarnovo). A show that you should not miss!

The Church in Tsarevets Fortress from inside