查雷维茨城堡

This is a great half day adventure. A steep walk to the top but worth it. So much of the fortress is still in tact that's it's easy to imagine it at its prime. Great views from the top. Not recommended for persons with any mobility disabilities.

A very steep walk with limited handrails so not suitable for disabled or elderly, but amazing views!! Worth a visit.

They keep building ruins for the tourists in Bulgaria... Lovely show to see at night when they light it all up

Everybody, who visit Veliko Turnovo has to spend at least half a day on the Fortress, because it can tell a lot about bulgarian history and the view from there is absolutelly breath-taking

WARNING TO ALL FOREIGN TOURIST....! We visited Veliko Tărnovo on the 14/02/2015 with our Bulgarian friends. Do not under any circumstances trust what any official says. We parked on restricted parking but were told by security that it did note apply at weekends, our Bulgarian friends also asked, as did other tourist (both Bulgarian and foreign), we were all assured it was ok. On return all cars were lifted or being lifted by the parking authority. The Bulgarian couple who were lifted and myself belief the security and parking are working a con to fleece tourists. Also be aware what fine you pay, foreign tourist can pay more, luckily the Bulgarian couple who were also lifted ensured we paid the same. Short change, and over charging are not the only weapons Bulgarians use to rob you.

The Tsarevets Fortress (Царевец in Bulgarian) was the center of power of the Second Bulgarian Empire from 1185 to 1393. Its strategic location on top of a steep hill made it nearly impregnable. The fortress was largely destroyed by the invading Ottoman empire and, unfortunately, was simply forgotten for the next 500 years. It is being rediscovered only now, and is being slowly rebuild. Unlike many other medieval fortresses in Europe, Tsarevets is not right in the middle of a big city - its very location separates it from the rest of Veliko Tarnovo, being on a solitary hill at the end of the city. This works to his advantage as an attraction, because the vistas aren't polluted by any modern installations and nearby buildings - standing near it on inside it, you can feel as if you were transported back in time. Stone towers, half-destroyed walls, and the remains of many houses and palaces, alongside the fully rebuild Patriarchal complex at the very top of the hill, give you an eerie feeling of mystique. No shiny golden ornaments, no expensive-looking tombs, no vendors selling souvenirs - you're alone with the history (and the other tourists, of course).There are almost no modern installations inside the fortress itself, and besides the tourists you can only see the occasional worker restoring a part of a wall or tower. This is both to your advantage (because there's nothing to distract you from the experience) and disadvantage - you can't get even a bottle of water inside, and this could easily become a problem if you're visiting in the summer. The area of the fortress is large, and there's some climbing involved, so, get essential supplies from one of the many little stores on the way to the fortress. One of the main attractions of Tsarevets is the Sound-and-Light show, a fantasy which depicts the story of the Ottoman attack and the sacking of the fortress. Ask around and, if you're lucky, there will be a presentation in one of the nights during your stay. I've also heard that you can pay for a special presentation, although the price is probably only worth it if you divide it with other tourists. Overall, you will enjoy this place immensely, if you're a history and nature fan. If you're looking for shiny things, though, I recommend you visit the many churches in the city.

veliko turnovo is a very nice city and the hotel is impressive. If I ever happen to visit again ill definitely stay at bolyarski

Well worth the climb for the spectacular views! Read about it before visiting and use your imagination to get the feeling how magnificent it was in it's heyday! It was raining when we visited but we still got the best of it and we had the place for ourselves.

Can't help but remember the feeling of being mesmerized to see the fortress from afar. It was a cold, gloomy afternoon with light showers in Dec when we visited. It was quite a challenge for me to walk all the way up considering i had zero exercise at the time. I was panting like a dog, pausing and catching my breath, but find it a good excuse to snap pictures everytime. i'd say it's all worthwhile when we finally reached the top. It has the best view of Veliko Tarnovo, it is simply breathtaking. (Uploaded a photo - the image says it all.)

I was amazed at this place and the way it was constructed. It is a fortress and I can imagine during its peak this would have been impenetrable. There is a small entrance fee I believe it was 5 leva (2.5 euro). Make sure that you take walking shoes and cover up (in winter) as it is COLD and windy. Once you have that sorted, you can get lost inside.Walk to the edges of the fortress and off course to the top where there is a church. This church was refurbished however in my opinion the refurbishment does not fit the overall style of the place. Spare at least 2 hours to do this properly as going to all corners of these ruins are worth the time and effort. There are plenty of picture moments with great views.

Veliko Tarnovo was the first capital of Bulgaria, and Tsarevets Fortress was the capital's fortress. It is a long climb up to the top of the fortress. The views are spectacular.

4 Leva for entrance and then you get to walk around, bring comfortable shoes and enjoy the views. There is a restaurant next to the ticket booth that serves as a great starting or ending spot for your afternoon at the fortress.

From the first moment I stepped in there, I felt this magical feeling, like going back. You can feel the history in the place with each step. The view is great - inside the fortress and from the walls and the tower and from the church on the top. If you have someone to tell you the history of the place while walking it'll be great - you can feel the place so much better knowing the history. Also if it's possible you need to see the Lights and Sound show in the evening - it's one of the most amazing things I've watched.

This was an amazing walk back in time. The fortress sits right on the river and has beautiful views. There is good access inside buildings and throughout the grounds. The information signs were only in Bulgarian, Russian(?) and German. Had to take pictures and translate later to English. I think the highlight was the art inside the church museum. It was a little startling at first glance but such a different perspective from traditional church artwork.

Great sight seeing. This place was destroyed by the Ottoman empire so not really a fortress anymore but you can get the feeling of what it could have been like when on the grounds. Theres a really nice church and viewing tower at the top of the fortress. The surrounding landscape with the villages at the bottom of the valley is amazing.