Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo (Велико Търново in Bulgarian) is a small city of 73000 inhabitants, located in the hills of central-north Bulgaria on the banks of the Yantra river, about 60km south of the border to Romania. The city has a long history, having been settled since the third millenium BC. Veliko Tarnovo has a high symbolic value in Bulgaria, because it was the capital of the second Bulgarian empire and its most important political, economic, cultural and religious centre between the 12th and 14th centuries, before the country was occupied by the Ottomans for the next five centuries. The Bulgarian constitution was written here in 1879 after the country became independent again.
The touristic highlight of Veliko Tarnovo are the ruins the Tsarevets fortress on a hill east of the city. This consists of a large area with ruins, surrounded by ramparts, with the Ascension cathedral on its highest point. The historic core of Veliko Tarnovo consists of quite cute old houses, but doesn't have significant structures.
How to get to Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo doesn't have an airport. It is possible to arrive by road (with a car or by bus) or by train.
Accommodation
Accommodation options include hotels and pensions, all bookable via the international booking portals.