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On the journey through Medieval Bulgaria you will experience the country in a most different way.
This is probably the most picturesque architectural journey that you can make through Bulgaria.
The route will take you to historical places like Lovech or Triavna which are great examples for
the craftsmanships of times gone by. You will see Veliko Turnovo, the capital of the Second
Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396) and the nearby village of Arbanassi. If they don’t take your breath
away then Bozhenci near Gabrovo certainly will. So if you like history, this is certainly one
of the best routes you can take in Bulgaria.
With a Budget Bulgaria hotel and car rental package, you will be fully equipped to experience
an unforgettable holiday.
Make sure you see in this region:
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Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi / Veliko Tarnovo and Арбанасиഀ
Pronunciations: [ve-li-ko tar-no-vo], [ar-ba-na-si]
Veliko Tarnovo (Great Tarnovo) is rather crowded with tourists as it sites on the main
road between the Black Sea coast and Sofia. It is a good idea to park your rental car
and continue by foot. Veliko Tarnovo is nothing less than a living museum and is full of
life due to having the second largest university of Bulgaria. Make sure you take a walk
in the Old City and go to Old Castle of Tsarevets which was home to the Bulgarian kings
in 13th and 14th centuries. It is a remarkable place with a beautufil church on top.
Then go to Arbanassi which is only 3 km away from Veliko Tarnovo. It is one the best
preserved Bulgarian villages and a major attraction.
Insider tip: If you have a chance, have a look at the sounds and light show in Veliko Turnovo.
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Located about 150 kilometers from Sofia, Lovech is an excellent first stop on this route.
As one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria, Lovech has been of strategic importance in Roman
times and features many historical sites. In the Bulgarian revival, Lovech was one of the
richest cities and a revolutionary centre. Lovech's Revival quarter, Varosha, is full of
character and a must-see along with the Covered Bridge. Your Budget Bulgaria hotel is located
in this part of the city so you can enjoy wonderful walks near the place you are staying.
With some luck, your room will look over the river Ossam.
Troyan is found just 30 kilometers away from Lovech and is famous for its pottery and
the Troyan Monastery. If you happen to be there on August 15th, when people celebrate
the day of the Monastery's Patron Saint, you will witness thousands of Orthodox Bulgarians
gathering to see the unique icon of Mary. The icon is unique as Mary has three hands rather
than two. The origins of the icon are unknown but there are many stories, some of them
involving miracles. Make sure you buy a piece of pottery, for which Troyan is famous,
in one of the many shops around the city and near your hotel.
In these three cities you will breathe the air of the Bulgarian Revival that took place
in the 18th and 19th centuries. The amazing hotel near Elena will let you experience the
modern side of Bulgarian tradition in architecture, food and style. Some 35km away, Tryavna
is a picturesque town and a magnet for artists. If the weather is good then you might see
children practicing their painting skills. Koprivshtitsa is as traditionally Bulgarian as
is possible as it is the only town to have preserved over 200 houses built during the Revival.
Famous Bulgarians from this city include symbolist poet Dimcho Debelyanov and the revolutionary
leaders Todor Kableshkov and Georgi Benkovski. Houses turned into museums now display what
Bulgarian life was like in the 19th and early 20th Century.
