Veliko Tarnovo (Great Tarnovo) Bulgaria

Only 12kms from the campsite is the beautiful medieval capital spectacularly located on the steep, craggy banks of the river Yantra. It is crowned by the imposing hill fortress Tsaravets and is Bulgaria's little-known gem. You should explore the attractive old town cobbled streets to see traditional Bulgarian town life preserved like a real-life museum and be sure not to miss the recently-restored Samovodska Charshiya.

Veliko Tarnovo hosts a delightful combination of National Revival Style architecture intermingled with the new face of modern Bulgaria, which includes shopping malls, bowling, and cinemas.

Veliko Tarnovo is renowned for its Universities so the thriving student population means there are many bars and restaurants offering excellent quality and well priced refreshments. The students bring a good balance to the town where the old and the young live in harmony.

Veliko Tarnovo is the jewel in Bulgaria's crown and is a must see destination for any visitor to Bulgaria

Tsaravets

Tsaravets hill was the main fortification during medieval times when Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria. The hill has been inhabited since the 2nd millennium B.C. It has been repeatedly inhabited and abandoned over the centuries but there is evidence of occupation during the Iron Age, the early years of The Roman Empire, and as a stronghold during the Byzantine empire. However it's current thick stone fortified walls and guard towers date from the Medieval age of the 12th Century. It is well worth a visit and to admire the views of the river Yantra and rocky outcrops of Arbanasi and to experience the centre of Bulgarian history across the ages.

"Samovodska Charshiya"

Atmospheric cobbled streets make up this area of the old town, where there are many arts and crafts shops. It is a good place to buy quality pottery and antiques. The area has been refurbished in recent years but still maintains the old world charm of National Revival period architecture.

Tsaravets Sound and Light Show

The Sound and Light show is a unique and enthralling experience re-creating the history of Tsaravets through a very large scale audio-visual display. The hill and castle are brought back to life with the flashing coloured flood lights and lasers set to dramatic music outlining the tragic history of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1393). Only three shows of this type exist in the world and it is a unique attraction in Europe.