Located on the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo is known as the "City of the Tsars", as it was the historical capital of the Bulgarian Empire.
That is where we are heading; The Royal Fortress on Tsarevets Hill. But we are the other side of the city, so let's enjoy a few sights along the route.
The grandly named Grand Hall of the Municipality, Mother Bulgaria Square. The administration and cultural building of the city. Classic Communist era architecture
Leaving the modern city behind it is time to pas through the old town
Along the way a handful of naive wooden carvings
and steep narrow stairways to access upper or lower streets.
And some marvelous views across the valley
Oh my days! that has piqued my senses, I need to find it on my way back down to the town.
That
Looks
Abandoned
You will be mine, give up your secrets.
But for now......
..... a steep climb up the cobblestones of Tsarevets fortress to eventually arrive at The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of the Lord
Jesus Christ on a bike, that was hard work, exhausted, sweating and knackered. Another church no doubt full of glistening golden statues and stuff..... was it going to be worth it?
A recent reconstruction from the late 70's early 1980's, and I guess it really pissed the god botherers off, as due to the gorgeous frescoes completed by artist Teofan Sokerov,it was not re-consecrated.
YES IT WAS WORTH IT
This is modernism in all its glory
This is pure street art!!!!
I was walking round open mouthed slobbering
Some of the people I was travelling with, were tutting and shaking their heads.
I thought to myself FFS this is art, real tangible stuff, suck it up.
Heaven on earth. This has to be the best ever churchey type building I have ever been inside.
Back to life, back to reality and some lovely views looking back to the city
Now in conclusion, yes I did find that humungous Soviet constructed building, come see it in all its glory.
C/Urban Exploration.