b'Bulgaria:A Discovery to ShareThe Tsarevets Fortress located outside of the city of Veliko Tarnovo.inEasternEuropeTarnovoisanexcellentwaytoun-promptedaserieswind. The narrow streets, lined with ofproteststhatul- colourfulhouses,provideapleas-timatelyledtofreeant walk. The unique architecture is electionsanda multi-partysystem.bound to leave one awestruck. There JONATHAN VAN BILSEN Sincethen,Bulgariahasjoinedtheare plenty of shops selling traditional European Union and NATO, but stillBulgarian crafts, and it is an ideal spot faces challenges with corruption andto purchase unique souvenirs.The last country on my list in theeconomic development. One of the must-visits is the Holy Balkans was Bulgaria. To be very hon- IenteredthecountryfromtheFortyMartyrsChurch.Thechurch, est, I never thought of it as a Balkannorth, and my first stop was the pic- built in the 13th century, has a blend of country,but,asitisintheBalkanturesque city of Veliko Tarnovo. It is aByzantine and Bulgarian architectural Mountains,itdefinitelyqualifies.stunning city, known for its rich his- styles.Theinteriorisadornedwith Bulgariahasarichhistorydatingtory and beautiful scenery. Nestled infrescoes, making it a wonderland for back to ancient times, but in modernthe Balkan Mountains, this city offersart lovers.history, it has seen significant changesa perfect blend of ancient history andAvisittothiscityisincomplete and struggles.modernity. withoutatriptothenearbytown In 1878, Bulgaria gained indepen- ThecitycenterisaremarkableofArbanassi.Thetown,famousfor dence from the Ottoman Empire aftersight. The Tsarevets Fortress, locateditsstunninghouses,isapreserved over 500 years of occupation. In theonthehilltop,givesamagnificentspot of Bulgarian heritage. A visit to followingyears,thecountrywentview of the city. The castle dates backtheKonstantsalievaHouse,a17th-through a period of political instabilityto the Second Bulgarian Empire andcentury architectural marvel, is highly and economic turmoil. During Worldserved as the residence of Bulgarianrecommended.War II, Bulgaria was allied with Nazikings. A light and sound show that il- Most places I visit leave me want-Germany,whichledtosignificantluminates the fortress is worth watch- ing to stay longer, and that was cer-political and economic repercussions.ing, as it provides an experience of thetainlythecasehere.Unfortunately, Afterthewar,Bulgariabecamerich and powerful Bulgarian history. I had to move on, and continued my acommuniststate,whichlastedAfteralongdayatthecastle,aadventure to Bulgarias second largest until1989.Thedemocraticchangesvisit to the vibrant old town of Velikocity.54FOCUS - APRIL 2023'