 Veliko Tarnovo is situated in the central part of Bulgaria at the foot of Stara Planina and has a population of about 74 000 people. Located on the river Yantra and three hills – Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora, it is Bulgaria’s most picturesque town.
Veliko Tarnovo is the town with the most glorious historical past in Bulgaria. It is a symbol of the country’s statehood and a source of national pride for every Bulgarian. Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and some historians consider it the second most majestic medieval town following Constantinopole.
 Veliko Tarnovo is a popular tourist destination not only for Bulgarians, but also for foreigners. Every visitor remains enchanted by the beauty of the town, by its landscape atmosphere that combines past and present. All these turn Tarnovo in an attractive place where can be seen cobbled streets and modern centre, scenic old houses and modern buildings, young students having fun and old women sitting and talking in the evening on Gurko Street. Tarnovo is lively all year round with lots of cafes, bars and restaurants. Tourists can wander along the ancient Samovodska main street with handicraft shops full of orthodox icons, paintings and traditional Bulgarian souvenirs.
 The medieval castle known as Tsarevets is one of the most visited attractions in Veliko Tarnovo. It is situated on the hill Tsarevets and served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393, housing the royal and the patriarchal palaces. The entrance gate, Baldwin’s Tower and parts of the fortress walls are well preserved till present days. The unique audio-visual show “King’s town Tarnov – sounds and light” takes place in Tsarevets. At night projectors illuminate the ancient town-fortress in different colors. In the meantime the music tells its story. The sounds reproduce the rise of the Kingdom of Tarnovo, some cruel scenes, the moaning of enslaved Bulgarians. This show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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