The Forty Martyrs Church, in the old Asenova quarter, was built in 1230 to celebrate Tsar Asen II’s victory over the Byzantines. It was used as a royal mausoleum and then as a mosque by the Turks, before its reuse as a church after Bulgaria's liberation in 1878.
Forty Martyrs Church
Veliko Târnovo
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.18 MILES
The inescapable symbol of Veliko Târnovo, this reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline and is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved monuments. The former…
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0.5 MILES
Built for a wealthy banker in 1861, this National Revival–style house-museum spans five storeys. Within, 19th-century earrings, bracelets and other…
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0.54 MILES
During its 19th-century heyday, this lane hosted dozens of vendors from local villages, who carefully laid fruit and vegetables, butter and cheeses onto…
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0.63 MILES
In the shape of a sky-piercing sword and dominating Veliko Târnovo's river views, this 1985 monument celebrates medieval Bulgarian might. The horsemen…
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0.5 MILES
The oldest street in Veliko Târnovo, ul Gurko is a must-stroll with arresting views towards the Yantra River and Asen Monument. Its charmingly crumbling…
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Museum of National Revival & Constituent Assembly
0.45 MILES
Within a former Turkish town hall built in 1872, this is where Bulgaria’s first National Assembly was held to write the country’s first constitution in…
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0.25 MILES
Across the river, enclosed by a high wall, is Târnovo’s oldest church, the beautifully proportioned Church of Sveti Dimitâr. Built in the so-called…
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0.4 MILES
Eerily lifelike wax figures of medieval characters are the main attraction of this museum en route to Tsarevets Fortress. Between waxy visages of peasants…
Nearby Veliko Târnovo attractions
0.03 MILES
Across from Forty Martyrs Church is the tiny Church of the Assumption, built in 1923 over a ruined 14th-century church. It's usually closed.
0.16 MILES
This church, probably built in 1612 on medieval church ruins, was destroyed by Ottoman invaders, but restored during their rule in the early 18th century…
0.18 MILES
The inescapable symbol of Veliko Târnovo, this reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline and is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved monuments. The former…
4. Church of Sveti Petar & Pavel
0.23 MILES
North of Tsarevets Fortress and the Forty Martyrs Church, this sturdy little church mingles elements of Byzantine and classic Bulgarian styles and houses…
0.25 MILES
Across the river, enclosed by a high wall, is Târnovo’s oldest church, the beautifully proportioned Church of Sveti Dimitâr. Built in the so-called…
6. Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa
0.39 MILES
Faded frescoes are the principal draw at the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa, the town’s main cathedral. Located just off ul Ivan Vazov, the church’s large…
0.4 MILES
Eerily lifelike wax figures of medieval characters are the main attraction of this museum en route to Tsarevets Fortress. Between waxy visages of peasants…
8. Museum of National Revival & Constituent Assembly
0.45 MILES
Within a former Turkish town hall built in 1872, this is where Bulgaria’s first National Assembly was held to write the country’s first constitution in…