Caption: |
Bulgaria: Veliko Tarnovo, situated on a rocky hill within a loop of the River Yantra, was the first capital of Bulgaria from 1187, after the foundation of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1393) by the Assen Brothers, Peter and Ivan. The site was previously occupied by the Thracians and then the Romans before the Bulgarians came in the 12 th century. Here: view of the Assen Quarter, with its bridges over the River Yantra and numerous old churches. In the foreground stands the Church of the 40 Martyrs, currently under restoration (2005). |