question:
Do you want to sense the true atmosphere of the past times in one of the most fabulous places in Bulgaria?

Remarkable places in the area of Veliko Tarnovo

The region of Veliko Tarnovo is limitless of unknown directions and attractive routes

Close to town there are many historical reserves and monuments, one of them is - Arbanassi village whose houses are renowned throughout the country with its remarkable architecture.

It is characterized by monumental houses and churches with rich interior decoration, carving and mural paintings created in XVI-XVII century. Exactly these unique monuments of our architectural and artistic heritage are the reason Arbanassi to be frequently visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archeologists, historians, architects and artists. This place is ideal for walking and recreation - distinguished by its unique climate, peace, tranquility, history and architecture.

Almost all houses have been restored and converted into hotels, pubs or entire complexes. The owners of hotels and accommodation houses, the owners of taverns take care for your pleasant holiday mood and and you will definitely move in a bygone era. The prices in the numerous inn and guest houses are at a reasonable cost.

Another interesting fact is that in the monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" is stored miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. On the feast of the village-15 August-Virgin Mary, many people come here from near and far, believed in the its healing magic power. The church is situated in the Arbanassi nunnery of St. Mary and is constantly active. The frescoes in the church are two layers. The decoration in the the nave is from 17c. and here are plotted figures of saints, scenes from the great feasts, suffering, etc.

The development of wine tourism here is favored by the fact that in Arbanassi there is the largest private wine collection in Northern Bulgaria. It is held by the owner of the hotel "Prestige" Stefan Stoev and was created for nearly 40 years. Its exhibits are tens of thousands. The winery offers wonderful conditions for wine tasting. The cellar provides a wide range of white and red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Dimyat and Pamid.

Another notable place is the Preobrazhensky Monastery which is situated at the distance of 6 to 7 km north of Veliko Tarnovo. It flourished during the 14th century. It was repeatedly ruined and destroyed by fire during the years of Ottoman Rule and rebuilt in the first half of the 19th century. One of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian Revival Period architecture and iconography. It includes 4 churches.

The monastery is much different from the others. You will not see market spots with souvenirs, or food stands with smelly meat. You will definitely see the life of the people who have given their souls to God. One of the oldest monasteries around Veliko Turnovo - Sveta Troitsa Monastery (The Holy Trinity) is located on the right bank of Yantra River opposite the Preobrazhenski Monastery. This monastery is another beautiful and interesting stop on a tour of Veliko Tarnovo and its surroundings.

Interesting place near Tarnovo is the Lyaskovski Monastery. This monastery is located at the distance of 6 km north-west of the Old Metropolis town and at the distance of 3 km south-west of the town of Lyaskovets. It is situated on a high inaccessible rock on the Arbanassi Hill. Monastery and particularly its 31-meter bell tower stand out noticeably against the horizon, reminding the mysterious medieval castle. If you climbed to the monastery`s terrace you will see a magnificent view of the Danube plain and the Balkan Mountains.

The monastery does not offer food and accommodation, however, nearby the town of Veliko Tarnovo is full of hotels and nice restaurants.

Most popular of them are "Hotel Akvaya"; "Hotel Panorama"; "Hotel Arbanassi Palace".

Accommodation against minimal fees can be found also in all above mentioned monasteries and in inn.

One of the most beautiful monasteries in Bulgaria is "Dryanovo Monastery". This is an ideal place to relax, or just walk in nature. The rocks that rise on all sides of the monastery are a favorite place for many climbers and there are held regularly climbs. Near the monastery is the famous cave Bacho Kiro and beautiful ecopath. The monastery offers accommodation, overnight stay, organization of church marriages, christenings. A few restaurants with good cuisines are scattered in the immediate neighborhood of the monastery.

Roman and early Byzantine city of Nicopolis ad Istrum is located 20 km north of Veliko Tarnovo as says the article from Wikipedia. Situated on the highly paid left bank of the river Rosica. The examination of Nicopolis ad Istrum starts from the ruins of the main gate and and an ancient Roman road leading to the heart of the city. The road goes around the whole ancient city in the form of a rectangle, each corner of it shows the precise direction of the world.

Once upon, in ancient times, the boundaries of the city have been guarded by a deep ditch dug, filled with water from the river. The classical town was planned according to the orthogonal system. The network of streets, the forum surrounded by an Ionic colonnade and many buildings, a two-nave room later turned into a basilica and other public buildings have been uncovered. The rich architectures and sculptures show a similarity with those of the ancient towns in Asia Minor. Nicopolis ad Istrum had issued coins, bearing images of its own public buildings. The place worth seeing because of former greatness. It is interesting!

In the region of Veliko Turnovo is located the small town Elena. The city wakes associations with preserved, untouched from the human hands magnificent scenery, rich history, developed rural tourism, preserved traditions, extreme experiences in built eco - paths. Close to Elena there are several landmarks. Among the most famous is Markov Stone, located 3 km south of the city. According to local legend, this enormous piece of rock (with size 6 m/.3, 5 m and vis.3, 2 ​​m) is thrown by Marko by Turkish armies.

Elena keeps over 6000 ethnographic objects of material culture, 780 works of art revival and many old books. In the small mountain town lives past and present and there are preserved over a hundred cultural monuments, seven of which are with national importance: The birthplace of Ilarion, Clock Tower, Daskalolivnitsata, the churches of St. Nicholas and the Assumption of Mary, the five houses Razsukanov and Popnikolov House (which houses the paleontologic museum).

Elena, the villages arround it and the hamlets are offering wonderful opportunities for rural tourism, accommodation in a richly decorated chalets and guest houses, recreating the spirit of the past.

Villages in Elena attract local and foreign investors that are interested in buying a property. Local brokers, representatives of national real estate ranges, said that there are many queries. But many deals are failing because of the unrealistically high prices that owners want for poorly maintained buildings. Often the walls are cracked and awry.

The owners want 17 to 28 thousand euro of such property with a one acre garden. Separately you will need 7-10 thousand euro for major repairs. However, it can be found pretty decent prices of properties for example in isolated from civilization Dren is offered renovated house with garage, farm buildings and yard with area of ​​1 ha to 25 000 euro. It is expected that many villages in the region to become a mini holiday areas populated mainly during the summer.

In the area you can see also a lot of beautiful waterfalls and caves. Most popular of them are: Cave Cepkata, Emen Cave, Trois Cave, Cave Bambalova Hole and etc...

Hotnitsa high waterfall is nearly 30 m. It is located about 15 km from Veliko Turnovo, near the village Hotnitsa. Near the waterfall there is a large lawn suitable for picnics. From the foot of the waterfall starts Hotnitsa Ecopath.

The numerous cultural monuments, the rich and diverse fauna and thermal waters near the village of Voneshta Voda ("Stinking Water") provide conditions for cultural and hunting tourism along with medical and balneology tourism. The vine-growing complexes in Lyaskovetz, Suhindol, Karaysen and Svishtov stimulate the wine tourism. The municipalities of Elena, Zlataritza, Strazhitza and Pavlikeni specialize in rural tourism.

All these attractions are located near Veliko Tarnovo.

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The next article: Blagoevgrad is а city and administrative center in southwestern Bulgaria .

 
01апр2011