Archaeological Museum

The history of the medieval capital

The Archaeological Museum of Veliko Tarnovo stands in the heart of the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, one of the most important medieval cities in the Balkans. Located in the historic part of town, near the famous Tsarevets fortress, the museum gathers evidence of a rich history from antiquity to the Middle Ages, helping visitors understand why Tarnovo was once the political and spiritual centre of Bulgaria.

What to see

The collections bring together finds from the region: pottery, coins, inscriptions, tools and pieces from the Roman period, alongside medieval artefacts tied to the splendour of the Bulgarian capital. The displays illustrate everyday life, crafts and the religious life of the city across different eras. The visit pairs naturally with a walk up Tsarevets hill, where the ruins of the royal palace and patriarchate stand, and through the picturesque craftsmen's street of Samovodska charshia.

Practical

The museum is in the old centre of Veliko Tarnovo, in central Bulgaria, easily reached on foot from the heart of town. There is an entrance fee, and opening hours may vary by season, so it's worth checking in advance. It is best visited together with the other historic sights nearby, ideally over half a day. Veliko Tarnovo, with its houses clinging to the slopes above the Yantra River, is one of the most spectacular towns in inland Bulgaria and well worth a stop.