Tsarevets ‐ The Must Visit Medieval Fortress

As the core of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Tsarevets Castle does not only hold the distinction of being an important part of the history of Bulgaria, it is also an important tourist destination. This medieval fortress located on Tsarevets hill, was the center of power between the 12th and 14th century, in the history of Bulgaria.

Nevertheless, the hill itself is assumed to have been inhabited by the second millennium B.C. However, it is believed that after the Romans came in, it was deserted again, only to be repopulated in the fifth century as a Byzantine town. In fact, Tsarevets Castle was built on the ruins of a Byzantine castle that had been destroyed.

Whilst, Tsarevets was the center of power, it was home to the royal family, and it was also the administrative capital. The design of the fortress was meant to be impregnable, and the strong walls made of stone, huge and impressive gates, and high towers offered a lot of protections to the inhabitants therein. Entrance to the fortress was through three main gates, and they were all located on a narrow band of land, for better protection. The gates had towers, which offered additional protection, and a number of these towers are still standing to date, and when climbed, magnificent views of the hill and its locality can be seen.

This fortress in Veliko Tarnovo used a complex defense system, and it was this reason that made it withstand attacks for over two centuries. The castle made use of an outer wall that was over two meters wide, and stretched for more than 2 kms. Traversing walls were also used in the fortress, and spread to the river.

Tsarevets Castle, apart from the royal palace, also had four monasteries, over four hundred residential buildings, and around twenty two churches. Therefore, at its height, Tsarevets Castle, had a large population, and it was this that made it such an important center in Bulgaria.

Restoration of the palace, buildings and churches took place from 1933 till 1987. However, Tsarevets Hill was considered a national treasure in 1927 and a cultural monument in 1964.

The sound of the light show is a magnificent show that is shown to the public in the evenings, and makes use of lasers, church bells, and myriad lighting forms to tell the story of Tsarevets Castle. The show expounds the fall of Tarnovo, and important moments in Bulgarian history. The show began in 1985, and this was also the anniversary of Asen and Peter's Uprising that took place over 800 years ago. This show often evokes feelings of pride among Bulgarian residents, who remembering the grandeur and might that the castle once had, often feel proud to be affiliated to its rich past that might as well have birthed the present.

The Execution Rock is also located in Veliko Tarnovo, close to Tsarevets Hill, and it was here that traitors were often pushed to their death in the Yantra River.