Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Veliko Tarnovo
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Veliko Tarnovo is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church constructed in the early 13th century, situated at the northern slopes of Tsarevets hill. It was built under the initiative of Queen Anna-Maria of Hungary, wife of Tsar Ivan Asen II, and originally formed part of a monastery complex. Architecturally, it follows a cross-domed design with a single apse and a cella divided into three naves by columns adorned with intricate carvings. The church is notable for its high, massive iconostasis and three layers of frescoes spanning from the mid-13th to the 16th century, showcasing influences from the Italo-Cretan school and local Bulgarian artistic traditions. Historically, it may have served as the seat of the Bulgarian Patriarchate briefly after the Ottoman conquest in 1393 and continued as a metropolitan bishop's residence under Ottoman rule. The church suffered damage in the 1913 earthquake but was fully restored in 1981 based on original photographs and drawings. Today, it stands as a significant cultural and architectural monument, recognized as a national heritage site in Bulgaria.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the church during the warmer months for comfortable weather and to appreciate the exterior surroundings. Tickets can be purchased at the nearby Regional Historical Museum or visitor centers; advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Photography inside may be restricted, so check local guidelines. The church is accessible via local transport from Veliko Tarnovo city center.
Faits intéressants
- •The church contains three distinct layers of frescoes from the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries, reflecting evolving artistic and religious influences.
- •It possibly served as the seat of the Bulgarian Patriarchate immediately after the Ottoman conquest in 1393.
- •The frescoes include inscriptions in both Bulgarian and Greek, indicating cultural exchanges during the Council of Florence period.
- •The tombstone of Bishop Hilarion of Crete, buried in the church, has been preserved.
- •The church is a notable example of the Tarnovo artistic school, a significant medieval Bulgarian cultural movement.
Histoire
The church was constructed in the 1230s by order of Queen Anna-Maria, wife of Tsar Ivan Asen II, as part of a monastery complex.
Following the Ottoman conquest of Veliko Tarnovo in 1393, it possibly served as the Bulgarian Patriarchate's seat for a short time.
Throughout Ottoman rule, it remained a metropolitan bishop's church affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The building underwent expansions in the 16th to 18th centuries, including the addition of a southern and western gallery and a small chapel.
It was heavily damaged in the 1913 earthquake and later restored in 1981, preserving its medieval frescoes and architectural integrity.
Guide du lieu
Narthex Frescoes15th century
The narthex features frescoes influenced by the Italo-Cretan school from the 1430s, with inscriptions in Bulgarian and Greek, reflecting the ecumenical ideas propagated during the Council of Florence.
Main Nave and Columns13th century
The interior is divided into three naves by two rows of columns, whose capitals are decorated with intricate plastic carvings and tracery, exemplifying medieval Bulgarian craftsmanship.
Southern Gallery Frescoes16th century
The southern gallery contains the latest layer of frescoes from the 16th century, including depictions of church fathers and biblical scenes such as the Eucharist and the Tree of Jesse.
Iconostasis
A high and massive iconostasis separates the nave from the altar, showcasing traditional Orthodox iconography and craftsmanship.
Contact
Téléphone: 088 514 4622