Trapezitsa Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Trapezitsa is located on a hill around which the Yantra River winds in Veliko Tarnovo. Steep cliffs make the place difficult to access. The first fortified settlement, built on the hill, dates from the late Chalcolithic Age (4200-4000 BC). During the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age there was a Thracian settlement on the hill.

The first traces of the medieval defense system on Trapezitsa date back to the 12th century AD. Main fortifications were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, during the Second Bulgarian Empire. Then Tarnovo became the capital of Bulgaria, and Trapezitsa was the second most important citadel of the city, after Tsarevets.

In 1195 Tsar Ivan Asen I transferred the relics of St. Ivan Rilski to a church built on Trapezitsa Hill. A monastery was built around it, bearing the name of the saint. Tsar Kaloyan transferred the relics of St. Gabriel of Lesnovo to the church “St. Apostles ”on Trapezitsa.

The hill is surrounded by a thick fortress wall made of crushed stone. Its height reached 6 meters. The fortress was entered through four entrances. The main entrance to Trapezitsa was located on the southeast side and was connected to Tsarevets by a bridge over the Yantra River opposite the Holy Forty Martyrs Church.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Bulgaria

User Reviews

Jiboo piu (5 months ago)
A must if you visit Bulgaria. This fortress is beyond big, is huge! Loved the Church on top

Derek (7 months ago)
The fortress is amazing and considerably bigger than expected. There are spectacular views of the city. There is lots of information posted all over the fortress, however we had a tour guide who gave us fascinating insights into the whole history of the fortress, the palace and monastery etc within.

Tomas M. (Tomas985) (9 months ago)
This place is huge. To see everything you would need all day. The main castle is really pretty inside and if you pay 3 euros to get on top of it - views are astonishing. The surrounding area is also nice, worth visiting and good for a walk. Some information is playing from the speakers but not all of it in English. However, upon entering we were asked if we needed an English guide. The most impressive view of this fortress is of course at night or the evening when the lights are on. It is a really nice site to see.

NANA DESIGN (11 months ago)
Very quiet place, and the view is amazing. You can overlook Trasavets Castle and the town behind the hill on the other side. Learning history, wandering the site, and touring around in the boutique museum inside, take your time to enjoy the old church vibe. They also provide the railway service (with 5lev) from downhill to the top. The entrance is not the same as the fortress. You can ask the gas station staff to show you the way.

Horia B (2 years ago)
Very beautiful fortress, old throne room is under reconstruction. Only downside was the panoramic elevator was closed for the cold season. Entrance was ~6€ for adults

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Ninara

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The choir of the two-aisle grey granite church features medieval murals and frescoes. The white steeple of the church was built in 1816 and has served as a landmark for seafarers.

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