Veliko Tarnovo is a city in central northern Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province. It is located on the Yantra River and is famous as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its specific architecture.
The historical part of town, which was the capital of Bulgaria during the Second Bulgarian Empire, lies on three hills - Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora (Holy Wood).
In 1965, the city, then officially known as Tarnovo, was renamed to Veliko Tarnovo (Great Tarnovo) to commemorate its rich history and importance
The palace is located on the hill's central and plain part, which was a closed complex encircled by a fortified wall, 2 towers and 2 entrances, a main one from the north and one from the south. It featured a throne room, a palace church and a royal residential part and encompassed 4872 m².
Sound and Light
Veliko Turnovo
On the top of the hill is the patriarchate, a complex with an area of about 3000 m², whose church, built on the grounds of an Early Christian one, was reconstructed in 1981 and painted in 1985. The frescoes inside depict the glorious and tragic moments of the Second Bulgarian Empire.The audio-visual performance Sound and Light is a wonderful attraction. Similar shows are performed only at the pyramids in Egypt. It is staged in the tsar's castle in the old Bulgarian capital of Veliko Turnovo.
The audience sit at a 100 metre distance from the medieval fortress, which is bathed in light and laser effects and dramatic music describes different events in the history of the country - the battles against the Muslim armies, the years of the Turkish rule and the revolution against it. The music is especially composed for the show.
The premiere of Sound and Light was in 1985 and for years it was shown regularly every night during the summer season. Now it is performed only on order by tourist groups.