The dramatic Shipka Pass between Gabrovo and Kazanlak provides some fantastic scenery and great views of the Stara Planina mountains. Hiking trails criss-cross the landscape providing great opportunities for exploring on foot. At the top of the pass is the Shipka Monument of Freedom where your reward for climbing the 894 steps will be amazing… Continue reading Shipka Pass
Camping Blog
Kilifarevo Monastery, Kilifarevo
Kilifarevo Monastery was founded about 1348 - 1350 under the rule of King Yoan Aleksandar. Famous St. Teodosis of Tarnovo had searched for a calm, secluded site. The monastery grew to become an important literary and spiritual centre of the Tarnovo Kingdom. The monastery was destroyed by the Ottoman invaders and was uninhabited for a… Continue reading Kilifarevo Monastery, Kilifarevo
Dryanovo Monastery
Dryanovo Monastery is a functioning Bulgarian Orthodox monastery situated in the Andaka River Valley, in Bulgarka Nature Park. It was founded in the 12th century, during the Second Bulgarian Empire and is dedicated to Archangel Michael. It was twice burnt down and pillaged during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria and it was restored to its… Continue reading Dryanovo Monastery
Preobrajenski Monastery
"The Transfiguration Monastery" Preobrajenski Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the Dervent gorge of the River Yantra. It is thought that the monastery was founded in the 11th century AD. The cross-shaped church features icons and frescoes which were painted by Sahari Zograf who worked in the monastery between 1849 and 1851. Among… Continue reading Preobrajenski Monastery
Kapinovski Monastery, Kapinovo
Saint Nikola the Miracle Worker The small Kapinovski Monastery is nestled in the forest and close to river pools and waterfalls. This monastery is a beautiful example of a Bulgarian village monastery. It was originally constructed in 1272 according to the foundation stone in the cornice above the altar. However, the monastery has been repeatedly… Continue reading Kapinovski Monastery, Kapinovo
St. Peter and Paul Monastery, Lyaskovets
St. Peter and Paul Monastery is situated on the highest hill in the area over-looking the village of Dragizhevo. It is one of the smallest but also one of the best maintained. It perches high on the rocks of the Arbanasi plateau and this explains why, through history, it has remained largely untouched. Today it is… Continue reading St. Peter and Paul Monastery, Lyaskovets
Nativity Church, Arbanasi
The stone and wood exterior of the Nativity Church is very humble, but once inside you will be amazed. This church is a UNESCO designated structure full of 17th century frescoes. Sometimes you may have the pleasure of hearing a small choir. Guides can be booked on entry and they will explain the beautiful murals… Continue reading Nativity Church, Arbanasi
Kostantsaliev’s House, Arbanasi
Kostantsaliev's House is a two storey 16th century merchant house is a reflection of the Ottoman days. There are simple rooms with large seating areas full of pillows. There are some really interesting things to see, such as the locking system on the trunks, door locking mechanisms, and the security systems. The large heavy doors… Continue reading Kostantsaliev’s House, Arbanasi
Arbanasi
Arbanasi is only 8km from the campsite and is set high on a plateau overlooking the hills of Veliko Tarnovo. There are plenty of traditional houses, churches and streets to explore. This lovely village is full of renovated houses in traditional Bulgarian style. Traditionally it was the home of rich traders and merchants and it… Continue reading Arbanasi
St Peter And Paul Church
St Peter And Paul Church gives a good insight into the history and culture of the old Bulgarian kingdoms. It remained the only big church in Tarnovo unharmed after the conquest of the Ottomans and served as the main church of the Tarnovo eparchy so it was very special and it remained undamaged right up… Continue reading St Peter And Paul Church