Tsarevets medieval fortress

During the Middle Ages, Tsarevets was the principal fortress of the Bulgarian tsars during the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1393), when Tarnovo was Bulgaria’s capital. In this period, the hill was completely built up with residential and administrative buildings.

The fortifications of Tsarevets can be divided into three construction phases. The first dates to the 5th–6th centuries and represents the Byzantine construction of the fortress. The second phase of fortification dates to the first half of the 12th century, and the third to the 13th century, probably connected with its development as the capital of the Second Bulgarian state. Tsarevets had perimeter walls encircling the entire hill, as well as cross-walls descending the slopes towards the Yantra River. The walls varied in thickness from 2.40 m in places to 3.60 m and were equipped with battlements and towers. The main entrance was on the west, where the approach to Tsarevets was easiest. It had five successive gates. A second entrance, the Small Gate, was in the north-western part of the fortress and provided a connection with Trapezitsa Fortress. The third entrance, the Frenkhisar Gate, lay north of the south-eastern defensive tower. This tower, also known as Baldwin’s Tower, guarded both the entrance to the fortress and a large water reservoir connected to the Yantra River.

During Tarnovo’s period as capital, many churches and administrative buildings were constructed under the direction of the Bulgarian tsars. Particularly notable was the architecture of the Bulgarian Patriarchate in the citadel of Tsarevets. It formed a separately fortified architectural complex comprising the patriarchal residence, a library, a scriptorium and ancillary buildings arranged around a courtyard. The palace, which served as the Bulgarian ruler’s residence, was also built in the central part of the citadel. It contained residential and service buildings, small and large throne halls, and the palace church of St Petka of Tarnovo. Another 21 churches have been recorded within Tsarevets, testifying to the population’s active spiritual life.

Restored / In ruins / Historical reserve, etc.