Foto: The old palace in Veliko Tarnovo (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Bulgaria - Around noon, we enter Veliko Tarnovo. In ancient times, this area was the most important city of Bulgaria. The remains of the walled Tsarevets fortress lie on three hills in the city. Upon entering Veliko Tarnovo, we expect signs pointing to this historical site. Unfortunately, except for one small sign, we see no directions. We also cannot find the site on the navigation system because we can’t decipher the Bulgarian text. We decide to ask. A taxi driver immediately approaches. “Do you need help?” He looks a bit confused when we show him a picture of the castle. There are closed roads, and it is hard to explain, he says. He offers to drive ahead for ten lev (about five euros). Well, he will probably make some profit, but it is convenient. Shortly after, we have to speed up to keep up with the small yellow taxi. We drive through a maze of little streets. It was indeed difficult to explain. At a parking lot, the driver stops. We see only four other cars. Could this be it? The driver gives the decisive answer. This is the statue of the family who founded the city in 800. He thought we should see that too. Then we follow him again. At the second stop, he signals to park. There is no parking space further on. “Get in my taxi, and I’ll take you to the entrance gate. Much easier.” Before entering the walled city, we first have something to drink. The weather is beautiful today and certainly above thirty degrees. It is also warm inside the walled city. Around noon, the sun stands directly above the complex. There is hardly any shade. At our own pace, we walk to Baldwin Tower. In this replica of the tower, Baldwin of Flanders was imprisoned after a defeat during the Battle of Adrianople in 1205. On the highest peak of the fortress stands the patriarchal Orthodox cathedral. The church has no frescoes inside, as we normally see in churches, but modern artistic religious images. A strange combination. A little lower on the hill of the fortress lie the remains of the former palace. Finally, we visit the execution rock at the outermost point. From here, people were thrown into the Yantra river if they were condemned.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Bulgaria - The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, located in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, is an iconic symbol of the country and one of the most impressive Orthodox cathedrals in the world. The majestic building, dating from the late 19th century, is known for its beautiful ...
The old village of Kovachevitsa
Bulgaria - I slowly descend into the valley. On the other side, I see Kovachevitsa. I anxiously watch the clouds. The weather forecast for today is bad. There is a high chance of rain. I also see dark clouds hanging against the mountains, but the clouds are not ...
The Rila Monastery
Bulgaria - Just before three o’clock, I arrive at the Rila Monastery. I walk through the gate into the courtyard. I’m immediately impressed by the beautiful monastery. I see black and white striped buildings all around. In the middle of the spacious courtyard ...
The Yagodina Cave
Bulgaria - Around four o’clock, I arrive at the Yagodina Cave. I put my backpack and camera in the bus. Photos are not allowed inside the cave. The guide welcomes me. He tells his story in Bulgarian, and Svetoslava translates for us. I look at the guide as he ...