2013-10-06-Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria...

2013-10-06-Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria

By ThomasCarroll235
Feb 25, 2015
159 Photos

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ThomasCarroll235

2013-10-06-Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Feb 25, 2015
159 Photos

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The Romanian side of the Danube from Rousse, Bulgaria

Rococo Style, Rousse

Rousse TV Tower (The Rousse TV Tower is a 204-metre-high TV tower built of reinforced concrete at Rousse, Bulgaria. Originally, the structure was constructed as a 206-metre-high TV tower with a cafe/restaurant on top and was the tallest one on the Balkan peninsula until 2001.[1] In the 1990s an additional antenna was added bringing the height to 210 metres. And, in March 2007, the antenna was reconstructed bringing its height to 204 meters.The Rousse TV Tower was built on the Leventa Hill, in 1986 and was launched on 7 May 1987 (under communist rule). The tower has an observation deck open for tourists at a height of 107 meters, which offers a panoramic view of Rousse, the Danube river, the neighboring city of Giurgiu, Romania, and as far as the Carpathian Mountains.)

The Byala Bridge (1865-67) (The Byala Bridge is situated at the northeastern part of the town of Byala, Ruse Municipality. It was built over the Yantra River in 1865-1867 on the orders of Mithat Pasha, Vali of the Danube Vilayet.The stone bridge at Byala is a remarkable piece of work from the Bulgarian Revival Period. The props are decorated with sculptures of symbolic creatures, such as gryphon, lion, nymph, and swan. The bridge is a true piece of art. It is a unique combination of architecture and sculpture. Such ornaments were used only for the decoration of buildings before the completion of the bridge. The rough stonework of the bridge is faced with thick, well-finished limestone. The abutment walls have wavy ends. Each abutment wall resembles a building facade, the bridge spans are shaped as open and closed windows.)

Veliko Tarnovo (Tarnovo, once the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom Tarnovo, was named Veliko Tarnovo in 1965, and is a cultural city in the East of Bulgaria that offers many attractions and places representing the history of the country. The city is built on three hills - Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora. At the foot of Tsarevets, Assen’s residential quarter, with the churches “St. Demetrius of Thesaloniki” and "Sts. 40 Martyrs" is located. Along Gurko street in the old town, on which General J. Gurko himself passed away when he and his army liberated the city in July 1877 from the Ottomans, many old houses, several museums, old fountains and churches are situated. The street leads to the Renaissance Museum, a former Ottoman residence which dates back to before the Liberation. The next arrow street takes one in front of the Cathedral, from where Tsarevets hill and the fortress can be seen.)

Monument of the Asens in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (Veliko Tarnovo is a city in north central Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province. Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the city is situated on the three hills Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and also a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls.Trapezitsa is known for its many churches and as the former main residence of the nobility. During the Middle Ages, the city was among the main European centres of culture and gave its name to the architecture of the Tarnovo Artistic School, painting of the Tarnovo A)

Velico Tarnovo reflected in the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube

Veliko Tarnovo with the Monument of the Assnes on the right

Monument of the Asens in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Bob on patrol in Veliko Tarnovo

Chris taking in the sights in Veliko Tarnovo

Paul studies his Bulgarian phrase book looking for the translation: " I am a wild and crazy guy"!

Georgia on the Stambolov Bridge, Veliko Tarnovo

Chrissy and Laurie on the Stambolov Bridge, Veliko Tarnovo

Monument to Assens, also known as "The Horsemen" (The most notable monument in Veliko Tarnovo is the Monument to Assens, which is better known under its name "horsemen" as it presents four horsemen - each facing a different direction with a sword pointing to heaven in the middle. The monument is located in the Boruna area on the meander of the Yantra River, at the foot of Sveta Gora, and can be reached via the Stambolov Bridge. It was built in 1985 in honor of the 800th anniversary of the uprising of Assen and Peter. It depicts four of the greatest kings of Bulgaria - Assen, Peter, Kaloyan and Ivan Assen II. The sword raised in the middle of the monument symbolizes the power and rise of Medieval Bulgaria. Assen and Peter lived and worked towards the liberation of Bulgaria, and their brother Kaloyan helped to establish Bulgaria as a strong Eastern European Country. Tsar Ivan Assen II, the successor of Ivan Assen I, played likewise an important role in the history of Bulgaria as the country experienced its second historical peak under his reign.)

Part of our gang in Veliko Tarnovo

The entire unit in Veliko Tarnovo

Velico Tarnovo reflected in the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube

Interhotel, Veliko Tarnovo-We rested here and got a mid morning snack here (A somewhat shabby Communist era hotel. Scathing reviews on Trip Advisor. Glad we did not stay there.)

Tom in Velico Tarnovo. Monument to Assens in the background.

Residential district-Veliko Tarnovo. Note the religious motif on the side of the building

Detail: Monument to Assens, also known as "The Horsemen"

Old residential area of Veliko Tarnovo

Residential area of Veliko Tarnovo

Georgia and Chris in Veliko Tarnovo

Georgia and Chris in Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgarian Pussy Cat snoozing

Kaltenberg Brewery (The König Ludwig GmbH & Co. KG Schlossbrauerei Kaltenberg is a brewery with headquarters located in Fürstenfeldbruck in Upper Bavaria. Their slogan, "Bier von königlicher Hoheit," or "Beer of royal highness," refers to the brewery's heritage which can be traced back through the Kingdom of Bavaria. The current proprietor, Prince Luitpold of the House of Wittelsbach, is the great-grandson of the last King of Bavaria, Ludwig III.)

Kaltenberg Brewery, Veliko Tarnovo

Kaltenberg Brewery, Veliko Tarnovo

Arbanasi (Arbanasi is a village in Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo Province of central northern Bulgaria, set on a high plateau between the larger towns of Veliko Tarnovo (four kilometres away) and Gorna Oryahovitsa. It is known for the rich history and large number of historical monuments, such as 17th- and 18th-century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, which have turned it into a popular tourist destination.)

Arbanasi-High end residence (Arbanassi was founded in the late 15th centry by Christians coming from the south-western parts of the Balkan peninsula - Bulgarians, Greeks, Albanisans. It was ruled for number of decades by different Ottoman notables. By the mid 16 th. Centry it became property of Roustem pasha, the Grand Vizir to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The population was granted many privileges and paid reduced taxes, providing the safety of the pass nearby in return. These favourable conditions brought the settlement to a considerable prosperity and attracted new settlers.)

Arbanasi-Old home in need of repair (The wealthy Arbanassi merchants were actively involted in international trade and had established close links with Italy, Austro-Hungary, Russia and Wallahia (now part of Romania). They carried out significant transactions between European towns and Istanbul, the seat of the Ottoman Empire. A good number of crafts flourished in the village-goldsmith's, coppersmith's, blacksmith's, sericulture and silk-worm breeding.)

Arbanasi-Old stone wall surrounding a residential compound (The diverse character of the population, its economic might and the intensive contacts with many countries were the main condition for the creation of an original culture Unique are the architectural and religions monuments that have come down from the 17th.and 18th.centuries - houses, streets, fountains churches, and monasteries, mural painting, iconostases and icons.)

Arbanasi-Bulgarian craftsmen displaying their wares

Sad Sack Hound, Arbanassi

View of Veliko Tarnovo from Arbanasi

The old (foreground) and the new (background) in the ancient town of Arbanassi.

The Nativity Church, Arbanassi (The Nativity Church is the oldest church in Arbanassi. Originally built during the 15th century the simple low level building belies the wealth of art to be found within. Nearly every inch of the vaulted interior is covered in paintings and frescoes dating back to the 17th century. Scenes are from the old and new testaments: the life of Christ, the virtues of the Virgin Mary, there is even a frieze of Greek philosophers and several inscriptions of the benefactors and sponsors. The 'Wheel of Life' on the east wall of the north gallery is the earliest depiction of this type in Bulgarian churches.)

Simple wooden cross on the 15th Century Nativity Church, Arbanassi

Detail-The Nativity Church, Arbanassi. (While the church's exterior was very simple, the interior was a riot of color with spectacular murals. Sadly, interior photography was prohibited. I downloaded the next few shots of the interior from the internet. As far as I can tell they are not copyrighted.)

Interior-Chuch of the Nativity, Arbanassi (The church “Nativity of Jesus” is the oldest one in Arbanassi. The greatest feature of the church is the real gallery with more than 3500 fantastic realistic figures and Bible scenes, painted by unknown artists.)

Church of the Nativity

Church of the Nativity

Church of the Nativity interior, Arbanassi

Church of the Nativity Interior, Arbanassi

An icon painter, near the Church of the Nativity, Arbanassi

Beautiful hand painted Orthodox icons near the Nativity Church, Arbanassi

Painted by a master icon painter

Facade Fresco of the Bishopric Nativity Church, Arbanassi (1597)

Facade Fresco of the Bishopric Nativity Church, Arbanassi (1597)

Unusual thatched dome, Arbanassi

Unique copper downspout, Arbanassi

An accordianist entertains Arbanassi's visitors

Solid stone and red tile construction typical of the area

Colorful ceramic pots, Arbanassi

Interesting array of chimneys, Arbanassi

Georgia walks through a timbered entryway in Arbanassi

Stucco and tiled chimney common in this area

Arbanassi-The Konstantsaliev House-The home of a wealthy 17th Century Mechant (The Konstantsaliev house was built in the 17th century. The basement was built of stone. The main entrance was protected with a solid studded door. Although the premises are spacious and roomy, the large house fortress emanates coziness and warmth inside the richly decorated interior. The owner must have been a rich man with sophisticated tastes, while the master-builder must have been talented for creative work)

Entering the Konstantsaliev house

Paul shows some chalky ankle at the Konstantsaliev house.

Main entrance-Konstantsaliev house

Konstantsaliev house-Unique inlaid wood cieling motif. (An exquisite parade entrance and a wide stair case lead upstairs to the reception rooms and the bedrooms. The large reception rooms are richly decorated. The ceilings have white clay ornamentation, while along the upper part of the walls there is a frieze of stylized floral motifs. The doors, the shutters of the windows and the built-in cupboards are decorated with wood carvings.)

Rich wooden latice work cieling, Konstantsaliev House, Arbanassi

Konstantsaliev House-An inviting area to recline and enjoy some tea

Konstantsaliev House. Georgia studies a colorful icon.

Bulgarian Box Turtle

Beatiful ceramic plates decorate an entry way

Bulgaria'a flag near our restaurant's entrance

Bob and Georgia in the garden of Restaurant Izvora, Arbanassi

Lunchtime: Enjoying traditional Bulgarian fare at the folk Restaurant Izvora, Arbanassi

Restaurant Izvora-A cozy interior with lots of wood, stone and stucco.

Bulgarian Folk Dancers, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancers, Arbanassi

Restaurant Izvora-Our luncheon location in Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancer, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancers, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancers and Musicians, Arbanassi

Yi ha! Bulgarian Folk Dancer, Arbanassi

A Bulgar beauty, Arbanassi

A Bulgar beauty, Arbanassi

A Bulgar beauty, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancers, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancers, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Dancers, Arbanassi

Bulgarian Folk Musicians

A Bear Skin, Arbanassi

Ancient Chimney, Arbanassi

The Bulgarian countryside betweem Arbanassi and Veliko Tarnovo

A Bulgar Warrior from days of yore

Bulgarian countryside near Veliko Tarnovo

Like the Russians, Bulgarians use cyrillic script

A nicely restored facade in Veliko Tarnovo

Worn old shophouses, Veliko Tarnovo

Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo - the Royal Premises of the Old Bulgarian Capital (Tsarevets Castle in the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo is a medieval fortress complex and was the centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire, which ruled the region from the 12th to 14th centuries AD. First constructed on the site of an earlier Byzantine fort, by the late 12th century Tsarevets Castle had become the headquarters of the Bulgarian forces, who overthrew Byzantine rule in the region. For the next two centuries, Tsarevets Castle housed the royal palaces and administration of the new regime. However, by the late 14th century the continued rise of the Ottoman Empire put increasing pressure on the Bulgarian forces, and, along with the region as a whole, Tsarevets Castle was captured by the Ottoman army. For much of the medieval period Tsarevets Castle continued to flourish as a centre of religion, trade and administration. In the 20th century significant restoration projects were undertaken at Tsarevets Castle, including the restoration of the Patriarch’s Palace and Baldwin’s Tower.)

The Fortress on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo (The inescapable symbol of this proud medieval town, this reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline, and is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved monuments. It features remains of more than 400 houses, 18 churches and numerous monasteries, dwellings, shops, gates and towers.)

The Fortress on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo (Tsarevets Museum-Reserve is located on Tsarevets Hill, which has been settled since time immemorial due to its strategic location. Thracians and Romans used it as a defensive position, but the Byzantines built the first significant fortress here between the 5th and 7th centuries. The fortress was rebuilt and fortified by the Slavs and Bulgars between the 8th and 10th centuries, and again by the Byzantines in the early 12th century. When Târnovgrad became the Second Bulgarian Empire’s capital, the fortress was truly magnificent, but with the Turkish invasion in 1393, it was sacked and destroyed. Tourists can thank the communists for returning it to a semblance of its former glory (although some archaeologists grumble about the faithfulness of the restoration).)

The Fortress on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Watchtower and church-part of the fortress complex on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Fortress walls on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Restored watchtower and ramparts on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Fortress walls on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgaria's Royal Lion gurds the main entrance to the fortress

Church and watchtower on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

The lower level defenses of the fortress on Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Orthodox church, Veliko Tarnovo

Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos, Veliko Tarnovo (The cathedral was build by the Bulgarian master Kolyu Ficheto and was completed in 1844, but was destroyed in the same year, during the earthquake of 14 June 1844. In the same year, shortly after the earthquake, a new cathedral was build, this time by the Bulgarian master Diado Grozyu. It was decorated in 1954 by some of the leading Bulgarian painters and art professors of the time, Nikola Kozhuharov, Dimitar Gyudjenov and Panteley Seferov. Metropolitan Clement Turnovo (Vasil Drumev) and Metropolitan Bishop Sofroniy Antim are buried in the yard of the church.)

Veliko Tarnovo crowned by the Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos

A craft shop on the ancient market street named Samovodska Charshia

Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos

Tsarevets Hill at Veliko Tarnovo

Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos

Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos

Tower Dome-Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos

Panorama of the old fort, castle and cathedral

Cathedral of the Birth of the Theotokos

Ancient Tsarevets Hill

A relief mural, Veliko Tarnovo

Samovodska Charshia-An ancient shopping street (This was a street in which you could find everything. Particularly on Wendesdays and Fridays which, were market days, it was more like a fair. There could be so many people there that if one tries to throw an egg down there would be nowhere for it to fall," old shopkeepers retell, remembering those days. In the second half of the 19th century, when Turnovo began to grow to the west of Bajdarlick Square, the Samovodska Charshiya developed as an economic centre. Women from the nearby village of Samovodene used to come in on those market days, put down small rugs before them, pile their vegetables on them and begin to sell them. This is where its name came from, the Samovodene Market, Along the pavements from the bakery to Hadji Nikoli's Inn village women from Belakovets sold milk, butter and cheese.)

Hand crafted copper and brassware on Samovodska Charshia (There are variety of craftsmen's workshops at work in the Samovodska Charshiya today: a potter, an armourer, a coppersmith, a carver, a confectioner, a weaver, an icon painter's studio, a photographer, a cafe, a workshop where kadaif is made, and a bakery. In this way the centre recreates the atmosphere of the first decades of the 20th century. Souvenirs, made according to the old technologies, are sold here. They recreate articles exhibited in the museum and dating back to Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the National Revival period. The traditions of the folk art crafts have thus been revived and continued in Veliko Turnovo, one of the oldest Bulgarian towns.)

Craft shop on Samovodska Charshia in Veliko Tarnovo

A little bread, cheese and wine?

Chris and Bob on patrol on Samovodska Charshia

Hand carved knick knacks, Samovodska Charshia

Laurie and Paul on Samovodska Charshia

Samovodska Charshia

Unique lamps and other crafts on Samovodska Charshia

Town House on Samovodska Charshia

Samovodska Charshia

Cutlery Shop, Samovodska Charshia

Wierd-WW II vinyage Nazi paraphanalia

Samovodska Charshia

Chris and Georgia on Samovodska Charshia

Samovodska Charshia, Veliko Tarnovo

Mural in Relief, Veliko Tarnovo

A very old warehouse, Veliko Tarnovo

Bird's eye view of the Monument of the Asens, Veliko Tarnovo

Mural in Relief, Veliko Tarnovo

Mural in Relief, Veliko Tarnovo

Fertile Bulgarian farmland fringed by a distant treeline

A grain storage complex towers over harvested fields

A Bulgarian vineyard

Orthodox church near Rousse

Returning to our Viking longboat after a day of touring Bulgaria.

Our home for the next week

Sunset over the Danube

Chris and Paul at dinner aboard the Viking Embla

Bob, Laurie and Georgia at dinner on the Viking Embla

Tom reflects amidst the reflections

The end of a good day in Bulgaria

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