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Veliko Tarnovo is famous as the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1185 to 1393, then remained a major cultural and religious center under the Ottoman rule. Nowadays Veliko Tarnovo is known mostly to the medieval fortress Tsarevets, the patriarchal complex and to the many old monasteries and churches.

Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval heart of the Bulgarian state was called "Second Constantinople" and "Third Rome". The city is considered one of the most powerful cities in Southeast Europe in XII-XIV century. Evidence for that are the trade relations with Genoa, Venice, Dubrovnik, etc. Center of power in the city was the heavily fortified hill Tsarevets which can be reached only from the west. Dominant place at the hill have the Palace and the Patriarchal complex. The palace of Bulgarian kings was the most impressive and monumental ensemble in the capital, where lived rulers and their aides. With an area of 2872 square meters, it was protected by strong walls and towers. In the castle church are the relics of the most venerated female saint of Bulgarians - St. Petka of Tarnovo. In the same are buried some of the rulers from the Assen dynasty.

Patriarchal complex occupies an area of 2413 square meters. It managed the spiritual life in the country during the Middle Ages. At the complex are located library, scriptorium, housing and offices and the monks' cells. Today you can visit a fully restored Patriarchal church "Ascension", whose bell tower is visible from any place in the old city. The interior of the temple is decorated with large compositions, the work of Theophanes Sokerov that represent important moments and personalities of the bulgarian medieval history. The exposition is entirely secular.

Excavations show that the rest of Tsarevets was firmly built, at the foundations of the hill were discovered more than 470 residential buildings, 23 churches and 4 urban monastery.

At Veliko Tarnovo is located the oldest and largest historical museum out of Sofia. The museum in Veliko Turnovo was founded already in 1871. The sections "Archaeology", "Ethnography", "Christian Art", "Bulgarian lands in XV-XIX century", "Modern and Contemporary History" and its funds held more than 200 000 exhibits from prehistory to today. A large part of them are unique and with national and European importance: Hotnitsa treasure, gold ornaments from the Thracian burial mounds, silver and gold coins minted by various kings, marble statues, medieval seals, paintings - masterpieces of Christian art from the XII to XIX century icons and church plates. The museum keeps the "Nedelnik" from Sophronius of Vratsa, collections of medals, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, religious items and much more.

You shouldn’t miss the nearest to Veliko Turnovo village of Arbanassi, founded in the XIV century, which is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Settlement with an original architecture, churches and houses with rich interior decoration, paintings and carvings of the XVI-XVII century. What needs to be seen here? Church "Nativity", the oldest and largest in the area, whose paintings are from Bulgarian master painters, the oldest painting is from the XV-XVI century. Another sight is the "St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel" church, built on the foundations of an old medieval church. It is situated in a beautiful silent courtyard, which gives it extra charm. Visit also the Konstantsaliev house the Hadjiiliev house. And if you have time, stop by and convent "Holy Assumption" to experience the miraculous icon of "Three-handed Virgin" with a silver nimbus.