Veliko Tarnovo Museums and the Museum Ticket
Veliko Tarnovo, a city rich in history and culture, offers a plethora of museums waiting to be explored. Each museum tells its own unique story, taking visitors on a journey through time. From art enthusiasts to history buffs, there is something for everyone to discover in these cultural havens.
In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Veliko Tarnovo museums, including ticket prices and opening times. We’ll also highlight some of our favorite museums, like the Sarafkina House Museum and the Khan Hadji Nikoli Gallery Museum (any museum with a wine bar is a favorite!).
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Museums in Veliko Tarnovo
There are over 20 museums in the Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi region managed by the Regional Museum of History Veliko Turnovo. While some museums are important and should be visited, others may be a matter of personal preference and taste.
Archaeological Museum
The archeological museum west of “Saedinenie” Square showcases the “Tarnovgrad – the Capital of Bulgaria XII-XIV Century” exhibit. It illustrates the region’s history and culture, mainly during the city’s time as the Bulgarian medieval state capital.
The first hall displays artifacts from various sites, like ceramic vessels, tools, weapons, and idol sculptures. They represent the development of settlement life in the region since deep antiquity. Unique exhibits include the bottom of a Neolithic ceramic vessel, a golden Chalcolithic treasure, gold Chalcolithic ornaments, and materials from the Thracian tomb.
The second hall showcases the history of various large urban, military-administrative, and economic centers in the region, like Nicopolis ad Istrum and Nove. The exhibit presents aspects of their material culture.
The museum’s most impressive monuments include a collection of ceramic vessels and molds, votive tablets with images of ancient deities, bronze sculptures, gems, and cameos made of precious and semi-precious stones and jewelry.
Address: ul. “Silvestar Penov”, Veliko Tarnovo, 5000
Opening Hours:
April to October – 9:00 – 5:00
November to March – 9:00 – 4:30
Closed on Monday from 9:00 – 12:00
Museum of Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly
The “Revival and Constituent Assembly” museum is in the northern part of “Saedinenie” square in Veliko Tarnovo. The museum is located in the old Turkish inn, built in 1872 by the great Renaissance builder master Kolyu Ficheto. The building is cruciform with an arched entrance from the north.
The terrain on which it was built necessitated the architectural solution of two floors from the north and four floors from the south. In 1985, the building was adapted for use as a museum, and the exposition is spread over three floors. The first floor presents monuments illustrating the development of Christian art during the Ottoman rule period. The central place is occupied by an impressive collection of icons, including works of the Trevne school of painting, primitive icons, and works of the first academically trained artists – Stanislav Dospevski and Nikolay Pavlovich. The exhibition also shows the works of master carvers, church utensils, holy forest icon prints, and a shroud from 1559.
The rest of the hall displays the economic development of Tarnovo and the region during the Renaissance. Objects and documents related to 17 of the 22 trades practiced in the city are shown, including goldsmithing, pottery, ironwork, tannery, tailoring, furrier, etc. The international and internal connections of Tarnovo merchants and the beginning of factory production are illustrated. The development of architecture and construction during the era is shown through models and photos. A special place is dedicated to the magnificent architectural monuments created by Usta Kolyu Ficheto.
On the second floor, the stages and most important moments of the national liberation struggle of the Tarnovsk region’s population during the Ottoman rule era are presented through material and documentary material. The Hajdush movement, the First and Second Tarnovsk Uprisings, the Velchova Conspiracy, the Hadjistavreva Buna, the uprising of Captain Grandfather Nikola, the actions of the detachments of Philip Totyu, Stefan Karadzha, Hadji Dimitar, the April Uprising, and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 are all covered. Special attention is paid to the struggle for an independent Bulgarian church, the development of educational work, and community center activities.
On the third floor, the hall in which the Constituent Assembly was held in Tarnovo in 1879, which laid the foundations for the development of modern Bulgaria, has been restored.
Address: ul. “Ivan Vazov”, g.k. Varusha – south, Veliko Tarnovo, 5000
Museum of Contemporary History
The Museum of Contemporary History has an entire hall dedicated to an exhibition called “Veliko Tarnovo and the Bulgarian State System.” The main objective is to showcase Veliko Tarnovo as a symbol of the Bulgarian state system’s continuity in the first few decades after the Liberation. The exhibition uses photos and exhibits to highlight the most significant events that occurred in the town during this period: the First Great National Assembly and the election of Alexander Batenberg as Bulgarian prince in 1879, the Second Great National Assembly held in Svistov in 1881, the Union in 1885, the Third Great National Assembly and the election of Ferdinand Sakskoburggotski as Bulgarian prince, the Fourth Great National Assembly in 1893, the proclamation of independence on September 22, 1908, and the Fifth Great National Assembly in 1911. The exhibition emphasizes the role of Stefan Stambolov as a prominent statesman of modern Bulgaria. Visitors can also view coin emissions from the Third Bulgarian Kingdom.
Another hall is dedicated to the “Wars for National Union – 1885, 1912-1913, 1915-1918.” The exhibition features maps of military operations, personal belongings of participants in the wars, guns, military crosses, uniforms, black and white drawings by the famous artist Boris Denev, and original illustrated maps.
Address: g.k. Varusha – south, Veliko Tarnovo, 5000
Temporarily closed
Museum of Prison
Construction of the prison began around the middle of the 19th century. In 1854, it was already being used for its intended purpose. The building is entirely stone, with walls 0.70–0.90 m thick.
The building has one ground floor and two upper floors. Two courtyards are located to the north and west of it, surrounded by high walls and auxiliary buildings. The prisoners’ shackles were carried out in one, and the other was intended for walks. In the years of Ottoman rule, the three floors of the building were used. After the Liberation of Bulgaria, new premises were added, and the prison functioned as a temporary prison until 1954. The exposition is spread over the ground and first floors. A reconstruction of the interior of three of the cells and the prison, which functioned at the time of the struggle for national liberation, was made. In the torture room, the devices with which inquisitions were carried out are presented, as well as a description of the most frequently applied tortures. The names of 399 combatants in the Tarnovo prison in the corridor on the first floor are written on a blackboard.
On a separate photo panel are the portraits of the most significant personalities imprisoned here – Filip Totyu, Stefan Karadzha, Vasil Levski, Todor Kableshkov, Bacho Kiro, Georgi Izmirliev, Todor Kirkov and others.
Address: ul. “Silvestar Penov”, 5000 g.k. Varusha – south, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Sarafkina House Museum
The Sarafkina House Museum is one of the most majestic Renaissance houses in Veliko Tarnovo. Built-in 1861 for a banker (saraf), it is unique because of its location and architectural design: from the street, the house rises two floors, but viewed from the riverside, it has five floors. Inside is an exhibition of the urban lifestyle of Turnovo and the region during the 19th century.
Address: ul. “General Gurko” 88, g.k. Varusha – south, Veliko Tarnovo, 5000
Opening Hours:
April to October – 9:00 – 15:00
November to March – 9:00 – 14:30
The Petko Slaveykov House Museum
The house where Petko Rachev Slaveikov was born has been restored and preserved since 1971. A monument created by the sculptor Blagoi Iliev stands in front of it.
Petko R. Slaveikov was born on November 17, 1827, in Veliko Tarnovo. He started his teaching career in 1843 and was one of the most active leaders in the struggle for an independent Bulgarian church. He also participated in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation from 1877 to 1878. In 1879, he served as a deputy in the Constituent Assembly, where he was actively involved in drafting the Tarnovo Constitution. He passed away in 1895.
Petko R. Slaveikov was a notable poet, writer, and journalist and played an important role in creating the new Bulgarian literary language. He was also a publisher of the Bulgarian Renaissance periodical press and a respected public figure.
Address: ul. “Doctor Hristo Daskalov” 4, 5000 g.k. Varusha – north, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
NOTE: You can visit the museum only with prior arrangements (at least 1 day earlier).
Khan Hadji Nikoli Gallery Museum
In the exhibition halls of Khan Hadji Nikoli, visitors can view valuable artifacts from Bulgarian history and the best examples of Bulgarian art through expositions and exhibitions.
Address: 19, G. S. Rakovski Str., 5000 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Closed on Monday.
State Art Gallery
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions features over 100 optical and physical illusions, including holograms, 3D paintings, a levitating orb, an inverted room, and an Ames room.
Address: Stefan Stabolov 1, 5000, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Adults: 15 BGN
Museum Ticket Information
If you plan to visit Veliko Tarnovo, here is some helpful ticket information to make your experience hassle-free.
Admission Fees
Adults – 6.00 BGN
Students – 2.00 BGN
Two-Day Tickets
Two-day individual tickets (includes 10 museum objects) – 20.00 BGN
Two-day family tickets (up to 3 children allowed – includes 10 museum objects) – 30.00 BGN
Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Veliko Tarnovo?
Hotels in Veliko Tarnovo
If you’re planning a trip to Veliko Tarnovo, there are many great places to stay. However, we strongly recommend staying near the castle icon on the map below for the best experience. This is in the Old Town where you can enjoy the unique architecture, close to the restaurants with amazing views over the river, and not far from all the best wine bars. And, it’s a short and easy walk to the fortress.
The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
FAQs About Veliko Tarnovo Museums
Is the Two-Day Ticket worth it?
The Two-Day Ticket is for anyone wanting to explore multiple museums over a two-day period. The ticket costs 20 BGN and includes a visit to 10 participating museums. Admission to the museums is 6 BGN each. So, if you plan to visit more than three participating museums within two days, the combined ticket is worth it.
How many museums are there in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous museums scattered throughout the country. While it is difficult to provide an exact count, the number of museums in Bulgaria is impressive. From art and history to archaeology and natural sciences, around 200 museums spread across Bulgaria cater to various interests and passions.
What is the largest museum in Bulgaria?
The largest museum in Bulgaria is the National Museum of History, located in Sofia. It showcases the country’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including archaeological finds, ethnographic exhibits, and art pieces. With its comprehensive range of exhibits and informative displays, the National Museum of History provides visitors with a deep insight into Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.
What is Veliko Tarnovo famous for?
How old is Veliko Tarnovo?
Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria, with a history that dates back thousands of years. It was founded by the Thracians in the 3rd century BCE and has been inhabited continuously ever since. The city reached its peak during the medieval period when it became the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 12th century CE. Today, Veliko Tarnovo is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage.
