The fortress of the princess

Tsar’s fortress in Bulgaria -The attraction, which is an architectural-historical protected area. The location is the old part of the city of Great Tyarnovo, located on a hilly area. This place was inhabited in the third century BC. From the fifth to the seventh millennium of our era, the old village of Zikidev, which was considered the Byzantine center, was located here. In its place, a Bulgarian village formed.

History of the fortress Princess

The first fortifications on the mountain of the Princess were built in the 7th century. But the fortress acquired a finished species only by 1185, when the city of Veliky Tarnovo was the capital of the medieval state the second Bulgarian kingdom. In the same period, the Princess Castle became the residence of the kings of Bulgaria. The fortress was built with thick walls, ringing the castle, as well as three gates. The fortification complex included: the Royal Palace, the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension, the Palace Church, 20 churches, 4 monasteries, more than 400 residential buildings of citizens.

The Bulgarian kingdom fell under the pressure of the aggressive Ottoman Empire. The city of Veliky Tarnovo and the fortress of the Princess were captured in 1393. During the battles, some parts of the fortress were seriously damaged and remained in this form for several centuries.

Restoring work in the fortress of the Princess was started in 1930 and continued until 1981. Today, fragments of walls, a temple, towers and a gate were restored from the fortress. The area of ​​the museum complex of the fortress of the Princess is about 1,500 m.

Tsar’s fortress today

Currently, the Tsar’s fortress is considered the main historical attraction of Bulgaria. Visiting this place is included in the excursion tours around the country. A lot of tourists arrive here and independently.

Thanks to the audio-visual show “Sound and Light”the Bulgarian historical stronghold is filled with an extraordinary sound and light effect. On its territory there is a chime of bells and incomparable music, the ancient fortress is surrounded by decorative lighting. Data on visiting and purchasing tickets for a musical and light performance are located on the tourist website of the city.

Also, in the summer, a festival takes place on the territory of the historical fortress on the open area Festival “Scene of the Century”. This grand event attracts the attention of a large number of visitors.

How to get

You can get to the fortress of the Princess on the city bus Veliky Tarnovo. The final bus stop is located on the square opposite the main entrance.
If you travel to cars, then a large parking lot is equipped at the foot of the hill, about 500 meters to the left of the entrance to the fortress.