Veliko Turnovo is the Most Visited Cultural Tourism Destination in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s old capital, Veliko Turnovo is an absolute leader among the cities that develop cultural tourism in Bulgaria. Every year, the city welcomes more than 2 million tourists from all over the world, thus establishing itself as the most preferred destination for cultural tourism in Bulgaria.

‘Tsarevets’ complex is among the most visited tourist sites in the region.‘Tsarevets’ is a medieval stronghold situated on a hill (also called Tsarevets) in the former Bulgarian capital Veliko Turnovo. The whole hill is surrounded by thick stone walls. The fortress had three entrances, served by gates. On the top of the hill is the Patriarchate and the Royal Palace is situated below it. Excavations have uncovered the foundations of residential buildings, homes of aristocrats, temples and monasteries. After the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire in 1185, with its capital in Veliko Turnovo, the fortress became the primary fortress in Bulgaria, often compared with Rome and Constantinople in magnificence. For more than 200 years Veliko Turnovo was the most important political, economic, cultural and religious centre and was one of the largest cities of Southeast Europe. In 1393, the stronghold was besieged by Ottoman forces and in three months was conquered and burnt down on 17 July. This marked the fall of the whole Bulgarian Empire.

Today the Tsarevets hill is a place of interest visited by tourists for its cultural value and historical significance. It offers a unique audiovisual show, called ‘Sound and Light’, using numerous coloured lights, music and sounds of church bells as a background to reflect key moments of the Bulgarian history.

Another attractive destination for tourists in Bulgaria is the region of Kazanlak also known as 'the valley of roses’. The destination combines two of the most interesting features of the country - the oil-bearing rose and the incredible Thracian heritage. The town has been visited by nearly 140,000 tourists since the beginning of the year.