Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

BULGARIA 627

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

Tsarevets. Tel (062) 636 954.

# Apr–Oct: 8am–7pm daily;

Nov–Mar: 9am–4pm daily.

& 8 (062) 638 841. =

Light Show (062) 636 952.

Rock of Execution

At the northernmost point of the fortress,

the Rock of Execution juts out above

sheer cliffs, with the Yantra river far

below. It was from here that traitors and

criminals were pushed to their deaths.

Church of St Demetrius
This church is dedicated to
St Demetrius, patron saint of
the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Restored medieval frescoes
decorate its interior.

Patriarchate

At the hill’s

highest point is the

13th-century Church

of the Patriarchate.

Defended by thick walls, it

was once part of the

patriarch’s residential

complex. Striking modern

murals adorn the interior.

. Royal Palace
Built in the 12th century,
the Royal Palace was an
enclosed complex with a
central courtyard. Now
partially reconstructed, it
has modern concrete stair-
cases enabling visitors to
climb up for magnificent
views of the surroundings.

Church of Sts Peter and Paul

dates from the 13th century and

is not able for its openwork

capi tals, frescoes of the two

saints, to whom it is dedi cated,

and a depiction of the pietà.