Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Entering the structure, pass through two gates and veer left (northeast) for the fortress
walls - some were once 12m high and 10m thick. Further along the walls are the unrecog-
nisable remains of a 12th-century monastery, various dwellings and workshops and two
churches. To the north lie remains of a 13th-century monastery, and Execution Rock, from
which traitors were pushed into the Yantra River. Alleged traitor Patriarch Joachim III was
the most famous figure to take the plunge, in 1300.
The complex's eastern path is unremarkable; return to the middle, using the hill-top
Patriarch's Complex as a landmark. Past one of several modern bells (used in the Sound &
Light show) are a ruined nobleman's dwelling and two churches to the left (east).
Below the Patriarch's Complex are the foundations of the Royal Palace, from where 22
successive kings ruled Bulgaria. Once covering 4500 sq m, the palace included an appro-
priately enormous throne (measuring about 30m by 10m) and Roman columns, probably
transferred from nearby Nikopolis-ad-Istrum.
From the palace, head west to the main path and up the steps to the Patriarch's Com-
plex, also called the Church of the Blessed Saviour. Once about 3000 sq m in size, it was
probably built about 1235, and has been extensively restored. The city views from the
front steps are more impressive than the modern murals inside, depicting 14th- and 15th-
century Bulgarian history.
Returning towards the main entrance, veer left along the path hugging the southern
wall. At its end is the restored Baldwin Tower, where Baldwin I of Flanders - the perfidi-
ous Crusader who led the sack of Christian Byzantium in 1204 - got his just desserts, im-
prisoned and executed after his defeat by the Bulgarians a year later. There are great views
from the top.
Sarafkina Kâshta
(ul General Gurko 88; adult/student 6/2 lv; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri)
Built in 1861 by a rich
Turkish merchant and moneylender, this fine five-storey National Revival-style house-
museum displays antique ceramics, metalwork, woodcarvings and jewellery, and has
some fascinating exhibits about traditional costumes and breadmaking. Revival-period
furniture fills the upper floor, along with vintage family photos.
MUSEUM
MUSEUM
Museum of National Revival & Constituent Assembly
