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CONTENTS
Welcome!
The Steps of Faith 15
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Welcome to Veliko Tarnovo
Welcome to Gorna Oryahovitsa! Welcome to Dryanovo! Map of the tourist region
The wealth of nature 17
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Free time - hunting and fishing 18 Time for Adventure
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Hospitality 20
The remains of prehistory and Antiquity 10
Try something new 21
The remains of glorious Middle Ages 11
Pallete of emotions 22
The glory of the Bulgarian Renaissance 13
Useful information 24
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WELCOME! The tourist destination Veliko Tarnovo - Gorna Oryahovitsa - Dryanovo is located in the central part of Northern Bulgaria between the Pre-Balkan and the Danube plains and is easily accessible from the entire country. It is positioned in the middle of the road between Varna and Sofia. In close proximity are two Balkan passes - Hainboaz and Shipka, while only 100 m away is the Danube Bridge connecting Bulgaria and Romania. The region boasts an abundance of landmarks, magnificent nature and thousands of years of history, uncovering its secrets
from prehistory to the present day. The pleasant climate here contributes to the attractiveness of the region. The four seasons unfurl their entire beauty and colours - a mild winter with a lot of snowfall makes way for a lively spring and the warm summer passes into a redolent autumn. The many eco trails and touristic routes provide the opportunity to reach some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria here - river ravines, waterfalls, caves and centuries-old forests. Antique cities and fortresses, Medieval temples and monasteries, architectural masterpieces of the
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Renaissance are only part of the cultural values of the region. The museums of the region are among the most diverse in the country and even the Balkan peninsula, containing priceless artifacts and treasures from several different historical ages. Here, you will come across the warm Bulgarian hospitality, indulge in cosiness and the tasty local cuisine with its many various recipes, some of which with immemorial history, while the delicatessens will open your senses to a new world of new, unknown flavours.
Adventurers and people seeking excitement will be sure to lack boredom here. Caves, natural landmarks, rare plant species, and cliffs waiting to be conquered are only part of the challenges faced by sports buffs and nature aficionados. The many events and festivals offer the guests of the region a rich palate of emotions, meetings with new people, contact with the art and culture of different nations. All year round, it is an interesting place; every season uncovers new opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
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WELCOME TO VELIKO TARNOVO Welcome to Veliko Tarnovo, one of the most beautiful cities of Bulgaria! The city spreads out as an amphitheatre down the slopes of the meandering Yantra in central Northern Bulgaria. It is located in the middle of the road between the cities of Sofia and Varna and is approximately 220 km from both of them. Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most visited cities in the country due to its beautiful nature in the region and the diversity of various and interesting events on the cultural calendar. The long history of Veliko Tarnovo began in the 7th millennium BC. Proof of this is kept at the Archeological Museum, which has one of the most abounding in the country. The flourishing of Veliko Tarnovo is connected to the Middle Ages when the city was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393AD). Here in 1185 AD, the two brothers boyars Assen and Peter announced the end of Byzantine rule over the Bulgarians and lead their countrymen into revolution. This set the beginning of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom;
the city was announced its capital and remained such to the fall of the country to Ottoman occupation in 1393 AD. From this glorious period, extraordinary cultural monuments have been preserved - fortresses, temples, building remains, etc. The present-day restored Tsarevets placed on the hill with the same name near the centre of the city, was the main fortress of the city inside the walls of which were the kings palace, the patriarchal residence and numerous temples and public buildings. The neighbouring Trapezitsa hill was the place of the aristocrats’ homes and many Christian temples. Exquisite examples of Medieval Christian art and architecture have been preserved to this day, among which the temples St. 40 Martyrs, St. Dimitar Solunski, St. St. Peter and Paul and St. Ivan Rilski. In the 18th and 19th Century, when the Bulgarian nation was waking and found stability in its glorious past to battle for national liberation from Ottoman rule, Veliko Tarnovo was one of the centres of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Extraordinary examples of Bulgarian architecture and
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art have been preserved from this period. Several of the magnificent Renaissance buildings that have been retained to date are the work of the self-taught, but genial master builder Kolyu Ficheto: the House with the Monkey, Hadzhi Nikoli’s Inn, the Turkish administrative building (Konaka) and the four city churches. The city boasts two ensembles which retain the authentic Renaissance spirit to present - the Samovodska charshia and Gurko street. The Ethnographic museum is in another beautiful building from this period - the Sarafkin House. After the overthrowing of Ottoman rule in 1878, Veliko Tarnovo became the capital of the Third Bulgarian Nation for a short period. This is where the first Parliament used to meet; this is also where the first Bulgarian Constitution was passed - a symbol of a new, free beginning. The grandeur of this new apogee has been captured in some of the most interesting museums in the city - the museum Renaissance and Foundation Meeting, the Prison museum, etc. In the present, the city is modern and attractive for its visitors with
its exceptionally well-retained cultural heritage yet also providing modern temptations and various touristic possibilities. Apart from the cultural tour of the museums, guests of Veliko Tuvrnovo may experience many unique emotions - to sink into the atmosphere of the old city and browse the attractive shops for souvenirs and antiques, to indulge in their shopping passion in one of the fashion boutiques or seek repose at one of the many monasteries in the regions. The city also draws in Bulgarian and foreign tourists for its prolific cultural calendar, which includes attractive events and festivals: the Sound and Light audiovisual show, the Stage of the Ages opera festival, the international church music festival, the international folklore festival and many others. Veliko Tarnovo is also the home of the only Multimedia Visitors’ Centre on the Balkan peninsula, which greatest attraction is the exposition of sculpted figures of Bulgarian rulers and everyday people from the epoch of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Welcome to Veliko Tarnovo!
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WELCOME TO GORNA ORYAHOVITSA! The city of Gorna Oryahovitsa - proud descendent of the Antique and Medieval fortress Ryahovets, an active participant in the national liberation struggle, is located only 8 km from Veliko Tarnovo in the foothills of the Arabians mountain. During Ottoman occupation, thanks to its special status, the city developed as a large crafts, commercial and trading centre. The wealth accumulated through this activity was used for the restoration and construction of a monastery and five churches, lavishly painted by representatives of the best Renaissance schools. The tempestuous history of the region was the prerequisite for some of the greatest public figures to arise from Gorna Oryahovitsa. A prominent name
from those is that of Atanas Burov - banker, statesman and minister in a whole 8 governments. The famous Bulgarian writer Assen Raznitsvetkov, a favourite of Bulgarian children, came from the nearby village of Draganovo. Today, the city zealously guards its glorious past in the exhibitions of the Historical Museum in Gorna Oryahovitsa and the ethnographic selection in the nearby town of Dolan Oryahovitsa. The home from birth of Assen Raznitsvetkov has been transformed into a museum. The nature of the region has created wonderful prerequisites for pleasant excursions, hiking, cycling and eco tourism. In close proximity is one of the few natural troves of the Peony flower in the country. Apart from these landmarks, Gorna Oryahovitsa is proud of its delicious cuisine. All Bulgarians know of the Gorna Oryahovitsa sudzhuk. This delicacy is the main participant in the annual Sudzhuk Celebration, which gathers young and old, locals and guests, to the tasty culinary adventure.
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WELCOME TO DRYANOVO! 24 km Southwest of Veliko Tarnovo, nestling in the cosy folds of the Pre-Balkans, is the small yet picturesque city of Dryanovo. The many architectural masterpieces from the age of the Renaissance form the specific image of the town - as if from another age, faraway, romantic and glorious. As the birthplace of the greatest Renaissance master builder Kolyu Ficheto, Dryanovo has been blessed with several of his most impressive masterpieces. An expression of worship towards his talent is the special exhibition in the building of the historical museum dedicated to the master.
Only 5 km away from Dryanovo are two of Bulgaria’s greatest landmarks - the Bacho Kiro cave, the first landscaped cave in the country, and the Dryanovo monastery St. Archangel Mihail, at which is found the interesting exhibit Archeology and Renaissance of the town’s historical museum. Not far from Dryanovo is another unique landmark - the remains of the Roman fortress and marketplace, Discoduratera. The nature of the Pre-Balkan has ensured excellent conditions for hiking and eco tourism. There are several eco trails in the region leading to natural and historical landmarks, and one of the trails leads to the picturesque village reserve, Bozhentsi.
1. Tsarevets fortress 2. Church St. Forty Martyrs 3. Trapezitsa Architectural and Museum Reserve 4. Momina Krepost Architectural and Museum Reserve 5. Church St. Ivan Rilski in Veliko Tarnovo 6. Church St. Dimitar 7. Church St. St. Peter I Pavel 8. Church St. Georgi 9. Church St. St. Konstantin and Elena 10. Church St. St. Kiril and Methodius 11. The house with the Monkey 12. Hadzhi Nikoli’s Inn 13. Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly 14. Archaeological Museum 15. The Museum of Contemporary History 16. Ethnographic complex “Samovodska charshiya” 17. Sarafkina House 18. Emiliyan Stanev House Museum 19. Museum “The Prison” 20. “Boris Denev” art gallery 21. Nikopolis ad Istrum 22. Vladishki bridge 23. Church St. Nichola 24. Neolithic Settlement near the village of Pravda 25. Kaleto Fortress near the village of Gorski goren Trambesh 26. Church St. Ivan Rilski in the village of Gorski goren Trambesh 27. Monastery St. Prorok Ilia 28. Gorna Oriahovitsa History Museum 29. Church St. Nichola in Gorna Oryahovitsa 30. Church St. Troitsa in Gorna Oryahovitsa 31. Ryahovets Fortress 32. Church St. Dimitar– Dlagnya village 33. Church Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno – Gostilitsa village 34. Church Rozhdestvo Hristovo – Gesha village
35. Ethnographic museum in Dolna Oryahovitsa 36. “Assen Raztsvetnikov” house museum in Draganovo village 37. “N.Karaneshev” Art Gallery – 38. Historical settlement Arbanassi 39. Museum of History in the Saralieva House from the XIX c. – in the town of Kilifarevo 40. Diskoduraterae Antique Fortress 41. Historical area Strinava 42. Boruna Fortress near Dryanovo Monastery 43. Church St. Nichola 44. Lafchieva House 45. Ikonomova House 46. Kolyu Ficheto’s Bridge 47. Dryanovska Charshiya 48. Clock Tower in Dryanovo 49. Embossment map of Bulgaria in Dryanovo 50. Exhibition “Life and work of Kolyu Ficheto” 51. Dryanovo Monastery 52. Patriarchal monastery St. Troitsa 53. Preobrazhenski monastery Preobrazhenie Gospodne 54. Kapinovski monastery St. Nikolai Chudotvorets 55. Kilifarevo monastery Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno 56. Plachkovski monastery St. Prorok Ilia 57. St. Nikola monastery – Arbanasi 58. St. Bogoroditsa monastery – Arbanasi 59. Andaka Cave 60. Rope Park “Island of Adventures” 61. Bozhur Polyana preserved area 62. Kamaka forest reserve 63. Savchov’s Meadow 64. Bacho Kiro Cave 65. Emenski Canyon 66. Momin Skok waterfall 67. Eco path “Kamaka” 68. Starting point of eco path “Via Ferata”, Dryanovo eco path and eco route Dryanovo Monastery – Bozhentsi
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Map of the tourist region VELIKO TARNOVO, GORNA ORYAHOVITSA, DRYANOVO
Draganovo 43°13’3”N 25°44’56”E
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66
26
36
Samovodene
65
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43°8’32”N 25°36’16”E
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Emen
43°8’2”N 25°21’16”E
Momin sbor
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61 67
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62
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Pravda 43°9’38”N 25°41’8”E
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Gorski goren Trambesh 43°13’18”N 25°50’32”E
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Dolna Oryahovitsa 37
43°9’28”N 25°44’32”E
Gorna Oryahovitsa 23 29 30 43°8’14”N 6 7 3 22 57 58 25°40’49”E 38 5 8 11 12 9 2 1 16 18 15 Arbanasi 14 4 17 13 19 43°5’55”N 20 25°40’3”E 10
43°5’47”N 25°29’21”E
Ledenik 43°4’52”N 25°32’44”E
Bukovets
Veliko Tarnovo
43°2’48”N 25°29’20”E
43°4’40”N 25°36’59”E
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Gostilitsa 43°1’22”N 25°22’7”E
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Peyna
43°0’13”N 25°25’46”E
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Slaveykovo 42°59’43”N 25°21’36”E
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Skalsko 42°58’27”N 25°22’43”E
Velchevo 43°0’8”N 25°42’6”E
Zaya 44 45
46 47
49
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42°59’58”N 25°30’52”E
Ganchovets
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42°59’16”N 25°31’23”E
39 55
54 56
41
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Dryanovo
59 42 42°58’25”N 64 51 68 25°28’21”E
Legend
Tsareva livada 42°56’3”N 25°27’25”E
Radancheto 42°56’35”N 25°30’17”E
1st class road 2nd class road Municipal border
Cultural tourism sites
Voneshta voda 42°52’20”N 25°38’19”E
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Religious tourism sites
city/town with hotels and guest houses village with guest houses and family hotels
Eco tourism sites
Tourist Package 1 themed Cultural Tourism: Back in time *Target groups abroad Gorna Oryahovitsa • City Historical Museum • Temple St. Nikola • Monastery St. Prorok Ilia Arbanasi • Museum Konstantsalievata House • Church St. Georgi • Church Rozhdestvo Hristovo • Church St. Archangels Mihail and Gavrail • Monastery St. Nikola • Monastery St. Bogoroditsa Veliko Tarnovo • Architecture-Museum reserve Tsarevets • Church St. Ivan Rilski • Church St. St. Peter I Pavel • Church St. Georgi • Church St. Forty Martyrs • Vladishki bridge • Multimedia Visitors’ Centre Tsarevgrad Tarnov • Museum Restoration and Foundation Meeting • Museum the Prison • Archaeological Museum Dryanovo • Dryanovo monastery St. Archangel Mihail • Exhibition Archeology and Renaissance • Bacho Kiro cave • Museum Kolyu Ficheto • Lafchieva house • Pereva house • Relief map • Ikonomova house • Kolyu Ficheto’s bridge Tourist Package 2 themed Cultural Tourism: Back to Antiquity *Target groups from Bulgaria Gorna Oryahovitsa • City Historical Museum • Art Gallery N. Karaneshev • Archeological reserve Nicopolis ad Istrum Veliko Tarnovo • Archaeological Museum • Multimedia Visitors’ Centre Tsarevgrad Tarnov • Museum Restoration and Foundation Meeting • Museum the Prison
• Museum of Contemporary History • Gurko Street • Samovodska Charshia Dryanovo • Bacho Kiro cave • Eco trail From Discoduratera to present day • Exhibition Archaeology and Renaissance at Dryanovo monastery Tourist Package 3 themed Cultural Tourism: Symbols of Faith (Pilgrimage tourism) Gorna Oryahovitsa • Temple St. Troitsa • Monastery St. Prorok Ilia Arbanasi • Monastery St. Nikola • Monastery St. Bogoroditsa • Museum churches Patriarchal monastery St. Troitsa Preobrazhenski monastery Preobrazhenie Gospodne Veliko Tarnovo • Temple St. Dimitar • Temple St. Ioan Rilski • Temple St. St. Peter I Pavel • Temple St. Forty Martyrs • Patriarchy Kilifarevo monastery Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno Plachkovski monastery St. Prorok Ilia Kapinovski monastery St. Nikolai Chudotvorets Dryanovo • Dryanovska Charter museum • Clock Tower • Church St. Nikola • Dryanovo monastery St. Archangel Mihail • Exhibition Archeology and Renaissance • Bacho Kiro cave Tourist Package 4 themed Cultural Tourism: The Master’s Masterpieces *Target groups from Bulgaria and abroad Gorna Oryahovitsa • Temple St. Nikola Patriarchal monastery St. Troitsa Preobrazhenski monastery Preobrazhenie Gospodne Veliko Tarnovo • Museum Restoration and Foundation Meeting • Samovodska Charshia
• Hadzhi Nikoli’s Inn • House with the Monkey • Temple St. St. Konstantin and Elena • Temple St. St. Kiril and Methodius Dryanovo • Museum Kolyu Ficheto • Bridge over the Dryanovska river • Temple St. Nikola Kilifarevo monastery Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno Plachkovski monastery St. Prorok Ilia Tourist Package 5 themed Cultural Tourism: Days and Holidays of the Past Arbanasi • Museum Konstantsalievata House Gorna Oryahovitsa • City Historical Museum Dolna Oryahovitsa • Ethnographic exhibit Draganovo village • House museum Assen Raztsvetnikov Veliko Tarnovo • Gurko Street • Samovodska Charshia • Sarafkina house • Museum Restoration and Foundation Meeting • Multimedia Visitors’ Centre Tsarevgrad Tarnov Dryanovo • Museum Kolyu Ficheto • Lafchieva house • Ikonomova house • Dryanovo monastery St. Archangel Mihail • Exhibition Archeology and Renaissance Tourist Package 6 themed Eco Tourism: Emotions in Green Emen village • Emen eco trail • Momin Skok waterfall Hotnitsa village • Hotnitsa waterfall • Hotnitsa eco trail Gorna Oryahovitsa • Kamaka eco trail • Bozhur cabin Arbanasi Dryanovo
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Bacho Kiro cave Park Adventure Island Eco trail Via Ferrata Strinava area Fortress Gradat Eco trail From Discoduratera to present day
Tourist Package7 themed Eco Tourism: Adventure Tour - Bold and Brave Emen village • Emen eco trail Veliko Tarnovo Dryanovo • Eco trail From Discoduratera to present day • Bacho Kiro cave • Dryanovo monastery St. Archangel Mihail Tourist Package 8 themed Village Tourism: Emotions to the max Kilifarevo • Kilifarevo monastery Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno Kapinovski monastery St. Nikolai Chudotvorets Dryanovo Tourist Package 9 themed Village Tourism: Visiting - Village and recreational tourism Emen village • Emen eco trail • Momin Skok waterfall Hotnitsa village • Hotnitsa waterfall • Hotnitsa eco trail Gorna Oryahovitsa Bozhur cabin Arbanasi • Museum Konstantsalievata House • Monastery St. Nikola • Monastery St. Bogoroditsa Voneshta voda village Tsareva livada village *Zaya village • Ethnographic collection Village Life in the Dryanovo Region *Ganchovets village Gostilitsa village
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THE REMAINS OF PREHISTORY AND ANTIQUITY The region of Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Dryanovo has retained a surprising wealth from prehistory and Antiquity. Among the valuable exhibits in the exhibition Archaeology and Renaissance and the Dryanovo monastery, artefacts can be seen that were found at the Bacho Kiro cave dating back 40-70 thousand years ago. The remains of a cave dwelling from 6 thousand years ago also bears great scientific value. The archeological exhibitions in the three cities each tell stories thousands of years old. The Veliko Tarnovo Archeological Museum keeps a bottom of a ceramic vessel from the Neolithic with a system of pre-
writing symbols; a gold Chalcolithic treasure from the village of Hotnitsa; gold Chalcolithic accessories from the cave at the village of Emen and other, priceless findings. The greatest monument from Antiquity in the region is the Roman town of Nicopolis ad Istrum, founded in the 2nd Century AD, located 20 km to the North of Veliko Tarnovo. The Antique fortress of Ryahovets near Gorna Oryahovitsa from 3rd-4th Century AD and the marketplace of Discoduratera near Dryanovo from 2nd Century AD also have interesting stories to tell.
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THE REMAINS OF GLORIOUS MIDDLE AGES Tarnovgrad, the glorious capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, city of kings and queens, boyars and military leaders, the pearl in the crown of the Bulgarian state, today shines in the light reflected from that great age. Studied and restored, the Tsarevets fortress tells stories of rising and greatness. Among the remains of the fortress to this day stand out the silhouettes of the tzar’s palace with the palace church St. Petka, the Patriarchy, Baldwin’s Tower in which Latin emperor Baldwin of Flanders found his demise, the
Assen and Frenkhiar gates and many other public buildings and temples who were the witnesses of past times. At the foot of Tsarevets is the historical temple of St. Forty Martyrs, which houses exceptional cultural monuments, as well as the tombs of several Bulgarian kings, queens, saints and dignitaries. On the neighbouring hill of Trapezista, which has not yet been fully studied, archaeologists every year uncover new and new findings telling us unknown facts of Bulgarian history. Momina Krepost is the third hill of Tarnovo where in the past
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lived common folk, craftsmen and hired workers. A large portion of the valuable findings discovered during the excavations are gathered in the collections of the Archaeological Museum - gold and lead tzar’s seals, gold ringseals of high-ranking Bulgarian dignitaries, coins, accessories, weapons, craftsmen’s creations, ceramic vessels, literary monuments, examples of the Tarnovo art and miniature schools. A close and realistic meeting with this glorious age is
provided by the newly opened multimedia visitor’s centre Tsarevgrad Tarnov, which is located near Tsarevets hill. Spreading out on two floors, it contains 29 sculpted figures of historical personalities - tzar Ivan Assen II and his wife, Irina Komnina, tzar Kaloyan, Baldwin of Flanders, noble boyars, patriarchs, craftsmen. The life of the age is authentically recreated in the exhibition of the pottery workshop, mint, arsenal, vent, etc, and the throne hall of Bulgarian tzars is decorated with beautiful murals.
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THE GLORY OF THE BULGARIAN RENAISSANCE There is probably no other period brighter or more glorious in the history of Bulgaria than the Renaissance, when awakened and elevated, the Bulgarian spirit found many manifestations of its onrush - in art and architecture, education, in the struggle for an independent church and national liberation. Quite naturally, the region of Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Dryanovo was one of the centres of these great processes as the descendent of the old throne city. Here, the Renaissance left behind a priceless wealth of many cultural monuments: public and
residential buildings, bridges, temples, works of art and important historical events. Dryanovo is the birthplace of the person recognised as the first Bulgarian architect - the self-taught master builder, Kolyu Ficheto. Many of the buildings in the region were created by his talented hands - the temple of St. Nikola and the bridge across the Dryanovo river, Hadzhi Nikoli’s Inn, the House with the Monkey, the building of the Turkish administration in Veliko Tarnovo and many other temples and houses throughout the region. The talent of the master,
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recreated into models of some of his most emblematic creations, can be seen in the exhibit dedicated to him at the Dryanovo Historical Museum. More about the great age of the Renaissance can be learnt at the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly and the Prison in Veliko Tarnovo and the Historical Museum in Gorna Oryahovitsa. An authentic meeting with the atmosphere of the age can be experienced on the picturesque Gurko street in Tarnovo,
which has preserved beautiful buildings from the 19th Century; also, there is the architectural-ethnographic complex Samovodska Charshia, where time has seemingly stopped and life moves at the pace of a Renaissance crafts street. Here, you can stop to watch how the master craftsmen create by hand products by technologies centuries old and if you like them, you could also buy them as a souvenir. The small shops for souvenirs and antiques offer a romantic journey back in time while every item in them tells its own story.
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THE STEPS OF FAITH In the difficult and dark centuries of Ottoman occupation, Christian faith was the sole support for the Bulgarian spirit, the lone guardian of self-awareness, history and hope. The monasteries and temples were not simply a refuge for people’s threatened faith, but also a motor for the revival processes, an initiator of new undertakings, a guardian of the historical memory of the Bulgarian nation. The region of the old capital Tarnovgrad was a centre of
Christian faith, home to the Bulgarian Patriarchy. During the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, numerous monasteries and temples were founded here, many of which were destroyed upon the Ottoman invasion; however, others succeeded to preserve themselves and continue their existence to this day, becoming pillars of faith and guardians of our history thousands of years old. The patriarchal monastery St. Troitsa is one of the oldest in
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the region - founded in the 11th century AD. It is located in an inaccessible area in the ravine of the Yantra river and directly on the other bank is the largest monastery in the region - the Preobrazhenski monastery. Its greatest item of value is the old temple built by master Kolyu Ficheto and painted by Zaharii Zograf, the fresco The Circle of Life painted on the external wall of the temple. There are other monasteries in the region which guard many centuries of history, along with valuable architectural and historical monuments. The Kapinovski monastery St. Nikola, dating back to Medieval times, has an interesting history: its restoration was done with the audacity and resourcefulness of the villagers of the area. Only 2 km away from it is the Plakovski monastery, also founded in the Middle Ages. Near the town of Kilifarevo, on
the Belitsa river, is the beautiful Kilifarevski monastery with its wonderful gardens and the tranquility it provides. The most famous monastery in the region is the Dryanovo monastery St. Archangel Mihail, located 5 km from Dryanovo. Its history is closely connected to the struggle for national liberation. In the picturesque village of Arbanasi, nesting on the plateau bearing the same name, there are not one, but two monasteries: the male monastery St. Nikola and the female monastery St. Bogoroditsa, which is home to the miracle icon, the Weeping Mary. Here are also the cultural monuments Rozhdestvo Hristovo, St. Archangeli Gavrail I Mihail, St. Atanas, St. Georgi and St. Dimitar. Nearby is also the Gorna Oryahovitsa monastery St. Prorok Ilia, which bell is tolled every year to warn humanity of impending environmental danger.
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THE WEALTH OF NATURE Temperamental nature has created several miracles in the region of Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Dryanovo. The Emen canyon is one of them, with access provided by an extreme eco trail challenging for even the most ardent hikers. The Hotnishki waterfall is in the region of Hotnitsa village; it may not be the highest, but it is one of the most beautiful in the country. One of the most famous landmarks is the Bacho Kiro cave located only 5 km away from Dryanovo. Its galleries and halls are accessible for visits via two routes - short or long. A stone’s throw away is the
Andaka cave in which the local tourist company organises the entry and tour of the unlit cave with the appropriate equipment. The beauties of the region are accessible via the web of eco trails and hiking routes. The nature near Gorna Oryahovitsa is also blessed with beauty and plentitude. Only 300 m away form the central city area begins the forest park of Kamaka, a picturesque place for a stroll in nature with prepared eco trails and cycle paths, as well as the opportunity for watching rare animal and plant species.
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FREE TIME - HUNTING AND FISHING The destination Veliko Tarnovo - Gorna Oryahovitsa - Dryanovo provides many and diverse opportunities for you to challenge yourself, to practice your favourite hobby and experience something new. Fishing is a pastime which never grows boring for those who practice it, on the contrary; it demands the constant search for new, unvisited rivers and waters and new records. Here, the rivers Yantra,
Dryanovska and Rositsa provide opportunity for fishing. Here, you can catch chub, barbell and mullet. There are also artificial lakes which offer paid fishing and good conditions for sports fishing. Hunters may try their aim at the Bolyarka hunting reserve. Its hunting area amounts to 16,279 hectares divided into 10 independent hunting regions. The hunt is on here for deer, roe and wild boar.
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TIME FOR ADVENTURE Stamina and the limit of human capabilities are a motive for many people to challenge themselves - to test how far they can get and whether they are brave enough. The region of Veliko Tarnovo - Gorna Oryahovitsa - Dryanovo provides very good conditions for such extreme tests - nature has created several unique challenges for the human body. The rocky rims above Veliko Tarnovo are a destination for ardent climbers. There are several functioning extreme sports clubs in the city which provide rock climbing
training and equipment. In Arbanasi, there is an equestrian base where you can have horse lessons or ride on horseback up one of the specially defined routes. Dryanovo also provides excellent climbing conditions. Here, however, there are also many caves, only one of which (Bacho Kiro) is landscaped. All others await their explorers and the local hiking company organises descents into unlit caves.
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HOSPITALITY Warm hospitality is the most important prerequisite for a good time on holiday. If your host is kind and makes an effort to create comfort, peace or assist you in organising an event or activity, then you will surely feel well and free yourself of worries and problems. Hospitality is very important for the people of the region of Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Dryanovo, which is why tourists here are welcomed as guests. The region is a popular destination and welcoming tourists is a tradition since long ago. There is diverse accommodation throughout the region -
large hotel complexes, some with external swimming pools, luxury hotels, SPA hotels, cosy, family hotels or individual guest houses, bungalows and camp-sites; the possibilities are many and everywhere, even in some of the picturesque villages. Two resorts are in this area of Bulgaria - the villages of Tsareva Livada and Voneshta Voda. The former is a climate resort famous for it healing climate, which is favourable for lung diseases. Voneshta Voda is a balneological resort with mineral springs, which water heals numerous diseases.
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TRY SOMETHING NEW What is more interesting than tasting new flavours and aromas, to drink up the atmosphere of the place you are visiting, to introduce your senses to new spices and recipes? This is part of the experience of a journey, one of its aims and, in the end, one of the ways to create unforgettable memories. The region of Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Dryanovo also possesses a specific cuisine, which is due in part to the local spices and also the old recipes passed down from one generation to the next. Such a recipe, which was used by the people of Gorna Oryahovitsa in the past to preserve beef through winter, made the Gorna Oryahovitsa sudzhuk into one of the first-choice delicatessens in the country. Its incomparable
taste can be tried in the Gorna Oryahovitsa area, while in June in the city there is a Celebration of Gorna Oryahovitsa Sudzhuk - a true culinary fiesta. If you come to the town, you should try another local speciality: the Gorna Oryahovitsa pot, cooked with beef neck threads and aromatic vegetables. Vine massifs can be found in the outskirts of the village of Gorski Dolen Trumbezh. The ideal climate and soil of the region, as well as its close proximity to the Yantra river, make it exceptionally appropriate for the growing of high-quality wine grapes and producing wine. Veliko Tarnovo and Dryanovo also have what to boast about. At the taverns and restaurants, you may try local variations of many recipes from Bulgarian national cuisine - banitsa, hotch-potches, stuffed vine and cabbage leaves, soups and stews and many others. The local beverages are an obligatory part of the authenticity of the atmosphere. Veliko Tarnovo is one of the cities which produce Bulgarian beer. Several breweries produce beer under different brands, all of them high-quality at an international level.
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PALLETE OF EMOTIONS January: • Bogoyavlenie (Yordanovden), the christening of the battle flags - V.Tarnovo; Sancimony, throwing the holy cross into the waters of the Yantra river V.Tarnovo, Dryanovo and Parvomaitsi village • Holiday of the Ragged Banitsa in Varbitsa village, G.Oryahovitsa municipality February: • 14th February - Archaeologist’s Day, V.Tarnovo • Martenitsi workshop, Veliko Tarnovo municipality • Recreation of the tradition Bachelor’s Wedding, city of Kilifarevo • Municipal contest for martenitsa creation, V.Tarnovo • Workshop for crafts and virtus, G. Orhyahovitsa • 19th February - honour of anniversary of death of Vassil Levski - Dryanovo March: • 3rd March - National holiday of Republic of Bulgaria, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • 8th March - Women’s automobile rally in honour of International Women’s Day, G.Oryahovitsa • Shrove • 22nd March - Day of Veliko Tarnovo • Blagoveshtenie, V.Tarnovo April: • Municipal festival of folklore dance arts, V.Tarnovo • International Exhibition of Cultural Tourism, V.Tarnovo • Sofia Film Fest in Veliko Tarnovo - week of film • Sofia Film Fest in Gorna Oryahovitsa • 23rd April - International Book Day - V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa • Che se e prolet puknala - Municipal celebration of national creative work, Ledenik village • Tzvetnica (Flower Day) - Municipal celebration of arts and amateur performances by the pensioners’ club, V.Tarnovo • Lazarovden - Recreation of the national tradition Lazaruvane, Kilifarevo
• National folklore Dance Festival Bolyarsko Nadigravane, V.Tarnovo • 27th April - Municipal Folklore Celebration of Folk Choirs and Source Folklore groups in Parvomai village, Gorna Oryahovitsa municipality • 28th April - Tzvetnitsa in Veliko Tarnovo - celebratory open-air concert, V.Tarnovo • Colourful Easter Week, V.Tarnovo • Exhibition of painted eggs, Veliko Tarnovo • Recreation of Easter traditions and rites, V.Tarnovo • Workshop Write yourself an egg, V.Tarnovo • Day of amateur performances at national libraries in Dryanovo municipality • April/May - Balkan Gathering Balkan Folk and National Folklore Championship Euro Folk, V.Tarnovo • April/May - Ascension of Christ - Easter, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo May: • Little Prince 2013 - National contest for Children’s Theatrical Art, V.Tarnovo • 6th May - Gergiovden, Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Army, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • 9th May - Day of Europe, celebratory ritual and parade of the EU nations’ flags - EU members, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa • May Days of Culture - by programme, V.Tarnovo, Dryanovo • Miss Gorna Oryahovitsa - G.Oryahovitsa • Tourist Song Celebration of the Peony, with the participation of groups for tourist songs from around the country, G.Oryahovitsa • Art and Satire Workshop, G.Oryahovitsa • Municipal Celebration of Amateur Theatrical Art, Samovodene village • Anniversary of April revolt and Epic of Dryanovo monastery • 24th May - Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture of Slavic Alphabet, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • 29th May - Day of Gorna Oryahovitsa • Holiday of the Gorna Oryahovitsa sudzhuk, G.Oryahovitsa • May/June - International Competition for popular music New Music, G.Oryahovitsa • May - September - Programme with concerts and open-air stage performances, Veliko Tarnovo Council brass band charity concerts in the parks of the city
23 June: • 1st June - Children’s Day, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • National Festival of Folklore Clubs and Groups Folklore Chaplet, G.Oryahovitsa, • International Folklore Festival Rahovche, G.Oryahovitsa • Municipal celebration for groups for source folklore From the source, Yantra village, G.Oryahovitsa municipality • Celebration of Balkan cities Balkan Sings and Tells, Dryanovo • National Pensioners’ Congregation From Word to Word, From Song to Song, Dryanovo • National Folklore festival At the Centre of Arbanasi, Arbanasi village • 2nd June - Day of Hristo Botev and those who died for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria. Celebratory ritual and placing flower wreaths at Mother Bulgaria monument and the plaques of those who died in the wars, V.Tarnovo and Dryanovo • International Children’s Romani Festival Open Heart, V.Tarnovo • Holy Path, beginning of Pilgrimage on the route of the holy remains of St. Ivan Rilski to Rila Monastery, V.Tarnovo • National Petropavlovski Congregation of National Art Work, V.Tarnovo and G.Oryahovitsa - is held every even-numbered year • 24th June - Eniovden - celebratory concert programme - Samovodska Charshia, V.Tarnovo • From the sky may it drop, from the ground may it grow” - Recreation of rituals for rain and against hail: Peperuda and Obrok • Eniova Omaya - Regional Cultural Festival - Gesha village (turkish Village Gesha View) - Dryanovo July: • Opera Festival Stage of the Ages, V.Tarnovo • International Folklore Festival, V.Tarnovo • Moto Rock Fest, V.Tarnovo • International Jazz Fest, V.Tarnovo • Children’s Academy of the Arts, Kilifarevo August: • Summer Festival of Classical Chamber Music Arbanasi Summer Music, Arbanasi village • International Festival of Youth Amateur Theatres, G.Oryahovitsa
• Holiday of Authentic Folklore On the Square - Pisarevo village, for groups for authentic folklore • Motorbike gathering, V.Tarnovo • Mid-August - Summer Painting Workshop, Kilifarevo • Mindya Rock Fest, Mindya village • National Woodworking Workshop September: • International Festival of Plastic Arts, V.Tarnovo • 6th September - Union of Bulgaria, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • Night of Samovodska Charshia, V.Tarnovo • International Festival of Military Brass Bands, V.Tarnovo • Municipal Celebration of Fertility A Day Feeds a Year - Exhibition of agricultural produce, folklore programme, sports games, Polikraishte village • Gardener’s Holiday at the village of Draganovo • 22nd September - National Independence Day - recreation of historical event and celebratory programmes, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • International Competition for Young Popular songs Silver Yalta, V.Tarnovo • Regional Review of old city songs, Peonies, G.Oryahovitsa • International Crafts Exhibition, V.Tarnovo October: • Biennial of Church Arts, V.Tarnovo • Holiday of Dryanovo and Traditional Dryanovo Festival • National Cultural Holidays, Poetry and Song of the Balkan, Dryanovo • October/November: International Festival The Art of Baroque, V.Tarnovo November: • 1st November - Day of the National Educators • Biennial of the Drawing, V.Tarnovo • Archangel Shrove, V.Tarnovo December: • 6-23 December - Christmas programmes, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa, Dryanovo • 31st December - Holiday programme, welcoming 2014, V.Tarnovo, G.Oryahovitsa
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USEFUL INFORMATION Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo www.veliko-turnovo.bg Municipality of Gorna Oryahovitsa www.g-oryahovica.org Municipality of Dryanovo www.dryanovo.bg Bus Station West - Veliko Tarnovo Tel: +359 62 64 09 08 Bus Station South - Veliko Tarnovo Tel: +359 62/62 00 14 Railway Station - Veliko Tarnovo Tel: +359 62 62 00 65 Bus Station Gorna Oryahovitsa Tel: +359 618 6 06 97 Railway Station Gorna Oryahovitsa Tel: +359 618 6 44 76 Bus Station Koliyu Ficheto square Tel: +359 884 67 15 47 (TIC Dryanovo) Railway Station Dryanovo Tel: +359 676 7 32 09 Airport Gorna Oryahovitsa Tel: +359 618 60031
Tourist information centre, Veliko Tarnovo Address: 5000, Veliko Tarnovo, 5, Hristo Botev Str Tel: 062 62-21-48, Tel/fax: 062 60-07068 E-mail: ticvt2@gmail.com Website: www.velikotarnovo.info Offered services: • Offers touristic information; • Offers services for hotel reservations and accommodation, air tickets, insurance, excursion guides, rental cars Tourist information centre, Gorna Oryahovitsa Address: 5100 Gorna Oryahovitsa, 5, Georgi Izmirliev Sq, PB6 Tel: 0618 2 05 06 Fax: 0618 6 02 03 E-mail: tic_go_2004@yahoo.com Offered services: • Offers information for tourist opportunities in Gorna Oryahovitsa municipality; • Performs marketing and promotion of tourism locations in municipality; • Offers information about tourism locations in the country. Tourist information centre, Dryanovo Address: Dryanovo, 65, Shipka Str Tel/fax: 0676 9 80 97 E-mail: ticdryanovo@abv.bg Offered services: • Informing and directing tourists and guests involving: - landmarks of the city and the municipality; - institutions, companies and shops in the city; - offers contacts of transport companies, taxis, hotels and guest houses; - directs and consults places for accommodation, dining and entertainment; - offers information about the cultural events in the municipality (from the Cultural Calendar); - offers free and paid advertising materials and souvenirs of the Dryanovo municipality.