Tirnova

The Ancient Capital of Bulgaria

Tirnova, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, is a beautiful city located on the rocky banks of a fast-flowing river. The city’s streets wind up and down the hills, with houses perched on top of the rocks. Long ago, clever warriors used the limestone cliffs that surround the city as natural fortifications, adding some artificial elements to make them even stronger. These cliffs rise as high as 700 or 800 feet. The city is full of colorful houses, separated by lush gardens and the thick foliage of ancient trees.

The Architecture of Tirnova

Tirnova’s architecture is a unique mix of Eastern and Western influences. In the city, you can see the domes of Greek churches, the minarets of mosques, clock towers, steeples, and modern buildings with French roofs. This variety of styles creates a curious architectural blend, showing the city’s rich and diverse history. Nature itself seems to have made it difficult for a city to be built here, making the city even more special.

The Natural Bridge of Tirnova

In the center of the town, on the longest street, there is a natural stone bridge that spans a deep chasm, through which the Jantra River flows. Although not as wide or high as the famous Natural Bridge of Virginia, it is still a remarkable sight. Because the bridge is located in the heart of the city, it draws even more attention. Some historians believe that both the causeway and the chasm were carved out by human hands long ago, as a way to protect the citadel on the other side. If this is true, it shows how clever and resourceful people were before the days of gunpowder and heavy artillery. This made the city nearly impossible to attack in earlier times.

Historical Significance of Tirnova

Tirnova’s ancient history can be surprising and is sometimes difficult to believe. The city’s buildings and landscapes are linked to some of the most romantic moments in human history. One significant location in the city is a tower in a beautiful castle, where Baldwin, a Frankish crusader, was held as a prisoner. Baldwin had been defeated by the Bulgarian army under Czar Kalojan at Adrianople, and after his defeat, he was brought to Tirnova, where he spent many years in prison. It is believed that Baldwin was buried alive in this tower.

The tower is now called “Baldwin’s Tower.” Although it has been partly ruined over the years, enough of it remains to give visitors an idea of what it originally looked like. From the tower, you can see one of the most breathtaking views in the world Private Tour Guide Ephesus.