Monument
Ecopath Veliko Turnovo - Arbanasi

Ecopath from Veliko Tarnovo to Arbanasi connects some of the most iconic places in Bulgaria with regard to historical and cultural traditions. Its length is only 5 km away, but it seems every step of it is filled with traditions and Bulgarian spirit . Starting from the Town Hall in Veliko Tarnovo and the monument "Mother Bulgaria" is located only twenty feet away , passing Samovodska Bazaar ( street of old crafts ), where we can see how food is produced , metal objects , carvings , pottery and everything used in everyday life centuries ago.

Following the narrow and picturesque streets Turnovo , the trail emerges from the old capital , descending to the bed of the river Yantra along the heart of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. On the right side , just meters away from us, we left the hill , if we look to the left , we see Trapezitza and behind us remains Sveta Gora, which is currently located Veliko Turnovo University "St. Cyril and Methodius " , and in the Middle Ages was located one of the most flourishing literary schools in the Southeast.

Descending , we come to the medieval churches "St. Forty Martyrs " ( here Ferdinand declared Bulgaria 's independence in 1908 ) and " St. Demetrius "(where the brothers Asen and Peter said the creation of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in 1185 ) . Going down in the lowest part of Assen neighborhood , there is no way not notice that at all times the right of us, towering walls of Tzarevetz as the road follows the foot of the hill.

After about ten minutes, crossed the river Yantra (which can be very impressive and deep, especially in the spring) in picturesque metal bridge and head to the area Ksilifor also deeply connected to the history of medieval Bulgaria . Another ten minutes walking along the wide , paved road , and we need to dramatically change the situation - it is hence began to Arbanasi ecotrail in the classic sense of the word.

Information sign directs us to the left , a steep but scenic and well marked trail . The climb is not more than five minutes, but is filled with good times - around us descends rapidly small mountain stream , climbs through picturesque wooden stairs, climb up the cliff ... And we find ourselves on the ridge meadow in Laconia, which offers incredible , really incredible view of Veliko Tarnovo.

From the trail follows the ridge of the rocks , hanging over the Yantra River all the way to the foot of Arbanasi . And when you get into this pearl of Bulgarian Revival architectural mastery that understand why the village was declared an architectural museum reserve ...

• Ecopath