Thursday 28 April 2011

Tsarevetz


The stronghold Tsarevetz is situated almost in the centre of the town Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria. It was the main fortress during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1393). It is one of the 100 national tourist sites.
The first settlement, build on that historical hill, dates back to 4200 B.C. It continued its development during the Bronze and Iron ages when it was inhabited by the Thracians. It was destroyed during the 7th century. During the 19th century a new settlement was founded.
The legend goes that in roman times when the barbarians managed to destroy the great city, the Romans took the treasures of Nicopolis into the underground galleries. They fortified the fortresses and tried to defend them as long as possible. When they had to retreat, they designed deadly mechanisms in the galleries and coated them with poison. They covered the secret entrances. The entrance to the underground galleries of Tsarevetz was in the south part. The gallery led to an underground lake and only a man who knew the secret of the treasure could proceed. A hidden mechanism drained the water and one could reach another gallery via steps. From it there were several levels. On each the Romans left part of the treasure.

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