Veliko Turnovo is a city with a fascinating history and culture of which people outside Bulgaria are unfortunately largely ignorant. Thus…

… Dr Criminale (1992), a novel by the late Sir Malcolm Bradbury, focuses on a young and rather naive British journalist who is researching the life of an eminent but elusive philosopher. Dr Criminale's background seems to be wrapped in mystery: biographers suggest that he is vaguely ‘European’ but are generally uncertain about his country of origin. Eventually the journalist discovers that he was born in Veliko Turnovo: ‘the ancient capital of Bulgaria, famous for its old university and monasteries, its storks and its frescos, its castle and its ancient Arabesque merchants' houses’…

Things You Need to Know: As the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Relics of Veliko Turnovo's medieval greatness are everywhere.

Tsarevets, the castle of the Old Bulgarian kings (or ‘tsars’) is up in the hills above the town. It's mostly ruins and fortress walls now, but you might like walking through it. You can also experience the local ‘Light and Sound’ show: a mixture of modern and traditional music which is played against a background of changing lights [see picture above]. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the city was also a centre of urban culture. Veliko Turnovo's ‘Old Town’ is a major attraction. Make a point of walking through it and have a cup of Turkish coffee (or an espresso!) in one of the cafés.

Visit the ‘Sarafkina kashta’ (the Money lender's house) which is an example of nineteenth century Bulgarian architecture. Above it is the old marketplace (‘charshiya’) where you can find authentic hand crafted souveniers, mostly traditional pottery and wood carving.

Don't forget the National Revival Museum: its exhibits are housed in what used to be the residence of Veliko Turnovo's Turkish Governor. The first Bulgarian National assembly was convened there after the country gained its independence in 1878. There is also an attractive collection of old icons.

The town is also famous for its university where many foreign languages are taught. Students are the people to turn to for information if you're lost. There are lots of them all over the town. You'll find that they are friendly and willing to help.

Map of City Centre

Streets: 1 – Vassil Levski St. 2 – Hristo Botev St. 3 – Stefan Stambolov St. 4 – Nikola Pikolo St. 5 – Ivan Vazov St. 6 – Mitropolska St. 7 – Opulchenska St. 8 – Teodosii Turnovski St. 9 – Marno Pole Park 10 – Druzhba Park

Buildings: 11 – University of Veliko Turnovo – Rectorate 12 – Post Office

Hotels: 13 – Grand Hotel Veliko Turnovo 14 – Alegro Hotel 15 – Kiev Hotel 16 – Etar Hotel 17 – Milenium Hotel 18 – Premier Hotel 19 – Gurko Hotel