About Tsarevets Fortress

 If you love castles, and you’re visiting Bulgaria, then Tsarevets Fortress is a must-see. During the Middle Ages Bulgaria was a European superpower. Tsarevets was the Second Bulgarian Empire’s seat of power during the 12th to 14th centuries. It is one of the last remaining places where you can see where King Peter, King Asen, and King Kaloyan once lived.
The fortress sits 676 feet above sea level with 12-foot stone walls. There are two fully-restored battle towers and three gates. One of the towers is called Baldwin’s Tower, after Baldwin I. It is said King Kaloyan’s queen fell in love with him and he was subsequently imprisoned there. Across from the tower is the Executioner’s Rock, where traitors to the throne were thrown into the river. Inside the fortress is a castle with the throne room, a church, and the king’s chambers.
Put on your comfy walking shoes and enjoy a wander through the fortress. Be sure to stay for the Sound and Light Show, complete with lasers, music, and lights. Don’t miss the changing of the guard on weekends.

Must See

  • The palace is on the hill encircled by a fortified wall
  • Two towers and two entrances, a main one from the north and one from the south.
  • A throne room
  • A palace church
  • A royal residential part 
  • Sound and light show

How to reach

The hill on which Tsarevets Fortress was built is the closest to the center of the modern city of Veliko Turnovo.

Best way to see Veliko Tarnovo is on foot. Though the town is fairly large the tourist places are within easy reach including Tsarevets,
To walk from Veliko Tarnovo to Tsarevets (fortress) takes about 31 minutes and the distance covered is 2.6kms.

If traveling by taxi, a passenger is charged 0.80 leva(BGN) initial fee, and 0.60 leva(BGN) per kilometer afterward. A trip within the city limits shouldn't cost more than 3.5 to 4 leva(BGN).

There are many city buses that take you to the square, located at the bottom of Tsarevets.  Buses run from 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Frequency of rides vary between 20 and 60 minutes. Buses #20, #50 and #40 go-to Tsarevets. Tickets can be purchased only on the bus from a conductor. The ticket is valid only for the current ride and costs 0.70 leva (about 0.35 Euro).

For a minimal price, take the special tourist train which makes a 30 minute round tour of the city. You can get off at Tsarevets Square

Tips

  • The roads have potholes, broken steps, and unfenced drops, so do watch your steps
  • Wear comfortable shoes not only are the steps broken, but a lot of climbing is involved too
  • Walking sticks help, especially if you have problems with walking
  • Do carry a bottle of water with you
  • There is only pedestrian access. So, wander peacefully around the ancient ruins, walk along the breathtaking fortress walls and enjoy the peace offered by this place
  • Do not miss the 40-minute audiovisual display. It is based on the choral music and flashes of light. It pays homage to the rise and fall of the Second Bulgarian Empire
  • Information in the English Language is not much available
  • Since you have to walk and climb, it is advisable not to carry a heavy backpack or other luggage
  • Be safe, avoid walking on the walls as it’s dangerous
  • Take guided English Language tours that cost about 10 leva. Enquire at the tourist-information centre
  • Caution is advised at Execution Rock. It is at the Northern end of the fortress. A fall from here to the Yantra River can be fatal
  • There is an acceptable washroom facility here
  • Children can have fun watching a puppet show, that is a pre-recorded history about Tsar Kaloyan
  • During the summer months be prepared to face the midday heat with caps, sunscreen lotion as there is no shade available on Tsarevets.
  •  If you plan to use the local city bus do keep small change with you. 

Visit Time

November to March

Sunday:        9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday:       9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday:      9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday:     9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday:          9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday:      9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

April to October: 

Sunday:        8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday:        8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday:       8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday:  8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday:      8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday:           8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday:       8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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Waiting Time

Nil

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Admission: 
Adults - 6 BGN 
Students - 2 BGN 
Family (with up to 3 children) - 6 BGN

Admission is free last Thursday of the month

Price for conversation in the Bulgarian language - 10 BGN
Price for conversation in a foreign language - 30 BGN

Amateur photography 5 leva(BGN)

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Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 11.74°C

 

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