Veliko Tarnovo is the town with the biggest number of cultural and historical landmarks in Bulgaria. Every Bulgarian feels a sense of pride upon setting foot in the medieval Bulgarian capital while foreigners are fascinated by its architecture, preserved spirit, and remarkable natural features. Unlike other towns, where people go to escape everyday life, Veliko Tarnovo is a true haven of patriotism and Bulgarian history. 

Its main streets leads visitors to the medieval fortress of Tsarevets, with its thick walls and majestic towers, enhancing the stunning view of the Yantra River. 

Veliko Tarnovo is also home to the hall where Bulgaria's Constituent Assembly gathered in 1879 – the first National Assembly after the country’s liberation from Ottoman rule Here stands the Forty Holy Martyrs Church, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with the famous column of Khan Omurtag (dating to the 9th century), bearing the famous inscription: "A man, even if he lives well, dies and another is born. Let the one born later, seeing this inscription, remember the one who made it."

Many Bulgarian relics are preserved in the old capital Tarnovo. Throughout the year, Bulgarian tourists compete with foreigners in their interest in this town. "Recently, there have been many American tourists – they come via cruises on the Danube River. There are tourists from all over Europe, with a notable presence from Spain," says Neyko Genchev, deputy mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, in an interview for Radio Bulgaria. He quickly clarifies that the significant tourist flow is also due to the municipal tourism agency "Tsarevgrad Tarnovo," which actively promotes the town at international exhibitions.

"They organize interesting events that local residents also join. One group, known as the "Hotnitsa Grannies", consists only of English women who perform authentic Bulgarian folk songs. For instance, they host a wonderful Christmas festival in Resen, complete with traditional Christmas carols. They involve local children and residents, creating a shared celebration. They also organize a ‘Boot Market,’ or a car boot sale, offering household items like furniture, paintings, books, and more, with the proceeds donated to orphanages and charitable causes. This forms a beautiful symbiosis between foreigners and Bulgarians, and these people have become our friends and part of the community. They contribute to our municipality, making life more colourful and interesting. And they share that they feel wonderful here. I even have a house in one of the nearby villages, and two of my neighbours are English. Both have raised the Bulgarian flag on their homes, and recently, one of thе wives told me that each morning she thanks God for bringing her to this wonderful place."

Photos: Veliko Tarnovo Regional History Museum, Gergana Mancheva, Reuters, soundandlight.bg, Facebook/International Festival of Medieval Tarnovgrad, Facebook / Varusha Yug, veliko-tarnovo.net