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Church of Saints Peter and Paul: A Medieval Gem in Veliko Tarnovo

Discover medieval art and history at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Veliko Tarnovo, home to stunning frescoes and a rich cultural legacy.

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The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Veliko Tarnovo is a beautifully restored medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Featuring well-preserved frescoes from the 13th to 16th centuries, it offers a glimpse into the art and religious traditions of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

A brief summary to Church of St. Peter and Paul

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds and fully appreciate the serene atmosphere.
  • Photography is allowed, but there may be a small fee for amateur photography.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Tsarevets Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Veliko Tarnovo, such as from 'Tsar Asen I' Square, walk northeast along ul. Nezavisimost towards Tsarevets Fortress. Continue past the fortress entrance, bearing right onto ul. Mitropolska. The Church of St. Peter and Paul will be on your left, a short distance from the foot of Tsarevets Hill. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From the Veliko Tarnovo bus station, take bus number 5 or 8 towards Asenov neighborhood. Get off the bus near ul. Mitropolska. From there, it is a short walk to the church. A one-way bus ticket typically costs around 1 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Veliko Tarnovo. A taxi ride from the city center to the Church of St. Peter and Paul will cost approximately 3.5-4 BGN. Ensure the taxi meter is running or negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Church of St. Peter and Paul

Nestled at the foot of Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands as a testament to Bulgaria's rich medieval past. Originally built in the 13th century, likely under the patronage of Tsar Ivan Asen II's wife, Anna, the church has witnessed centuries of Bulgarian history. It was reconstructed in 1981 after being destroyed in an earthquake in 1913, using original photos and paintings as a guide. The church follows a cross-domed design with a single apse, and its interior is divided into three naves by rows of columns with intricately carved capitals. A massive iconostasis adds to the grandeur of the space. The church's walls are adorned with three layers of frescoes, dating from the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries, showcasing the evolution of artistic styles over time. The earliest layer includes images of the martyrs of Edessa, while the second layer reflects the influence of the Italo-Cretan school. Some frescoes show signs of erasure, sparking local legends about their origins. After the fall of Tarnovo to the Ottomans in 1393, the church briefly served as the seat of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. During Ottoman rule, it continued as a metropolitan bishop's residence under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Today, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is protected by a newer exterior structure, preserving its delicate frescoes and offering visitors a unique glimpse into Bulgaria's spiritual and artistic heritage.

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