Veliko-Turnovo

 Veliko-Turnovo is a town so utterly charming, you won't ever want to leave. It's narrow streets and cobbled alleys, mixed with impressive views of the mountains that surround it will leave you breathless. 

The main sight is the Tsaravets fortress, an imposing ruined fortress on the top of a rocky crag. It has had some restoration done to it, but it's also been made more accessible, and pretty much the whole place is open to explore. You cross through the old town as you head towards the gatehouse, where you can pick up souvenirs, ice cream and cold drinks. (It was very hot when I visited!)




                                         Anyone willing to try out the executioners block?

It's also worth visiting the archaeological museum too if you enjoyed the fortress. Although pictures aren't allowed in the museum, its got a selection of artefacts, ranging from prehistoric, through Roman to medieval. Its also a beautiful building, with a delightful courtyard.

Now, Istanbul had an amazing attraction called MiniaTurk, which was a park with loads of important and notable Turkish buildings and landmarks (See Istanbul Part 6) and there was one here too of Bulgaria! You could tell it had only just opened, and still had a few bits that needed finishing, but it was well worth a visit. Plus, at only 10 Lev a ticket (Just over £4) it was good value too.
The grand train station at Varna
Plovdiv's incredible roman theater
The Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia
Ancient & Medieval Serdika nestled in modern Sofia
And it's just below the fortress. Not far to go!

For me, perhaps the highlight of the visit was the hostel. It was clean, welcoming and had kittens! I spent hours playing with them, and I think they have become somewhat famous on traveller blogs! The hostel also did meals as part of the price, as well as organising a trip to a local bar. It's called Hostel Mostel, and it the best place to stay in Veliko-Turnovo.


Make sure you visit this beautiful town, and spend some time making some Bulgarian friends!
Next stop: Plovdiv!

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