Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi – Bulgaria

Yesterday we boarded the coaches for a drive through the Bulgarian countryside to Veliko Turnovo, a city in northern central Bulgaria often referred to as the “City of the Tsars”, built on three hills (Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora). Tsarevets housed the palaces of the Bulgarian Emperors and the Patriarchate. Trapezitsa was known for its many churches and as the main residence of the nobility. In the middle ages it was amongst the main European centres of culture and gave its name to the Tarnovo Artistic School of architecture, painting and literature.  Veliko Tarnovo is an important administrative, economic, education and cultural centres of Northern Bulgaria.

Martenitsa a Bulgarian pagan tradition, you give relatives and friends a red and white gift which is to bring health, good luck and fertility to those who receive it. They are given on the first day of spring (March which in Bulgarian is Mart). Once received they are tied onto trees.

Arbanassi originally established by wealthy merchants  to enjoy the healthy mountain climate. It was a religious haven for Christians during the Turkish rule. Home to many Andienna Churches it was founded in the 15^th century by Christians coming from the south – western parts of the Balkan peninsula. The wealthy Arbanassi merchants were actively involved in international trade and had established close links with Italy, Austro – Hungary, Russia, Wallahia and Italia. A good number of crafts flourished in the village – gold smiths, sericulture and silk, and worm breeding.

Christ Nativity Church dates back to the 16^th century and is one of the most beautifully decorated churches in the village. The church is made to appear like a house on the outside as the followers of the religion had to meet in secret during the Communist times.

The Angelic Singers at the Eastern Orthodox Church sang for us in the church and it just made the hairs on your arms stand on end.

The Nativity Church again appears to be a house from the outside.

Konstanzielev Ethnographic House.

We then had lunch at this lovely traditional restaurant who also provided folklore dancing as entertainment.

Tsarevets Medieval Citadel  (1185 – 1393)

Samovodska Charshia a street filled with stalls of local artists, handicrafts and souvenirs. On this street you could buy all sorts of Rose products. Bulgaria is the 3^rd largest producer of rose products in the world. From May to mid June they harvest the roses from 5 – 10 am while the dew is on them and they are hand processed to make wonderful rose products for export around the world.