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Trapezitsa
A fortified district of Tarnovgrad known for churches, wall paintings and a complex urban layout.
Open and enlarge photographPhoto: Kandi · Public domain · Retained optimized WebP from the existing editorial collection; no additional modification.
The story of this place
Trapezitsa rises northwest of Tsarevets within the bends of the Yantra. Medieval walls followed its rocky edge, while churches, military buildings and residential structures occupied the interior. Excavation began in 1879, but interpretation of the district continues to change with discoveries. The museum describes 21 excavated churches and a substantial building near the northern entrance whose association with the Asen brothers remains a proposal. Investigations renewed in 2006 marked an important research phase. The hill demonstrates that the medieval capital contained several fortified centres with their own religious and domestic environments, rather than just one royal precinct.
What the evidence shows
- Archaeological investigation began in 1879.
- The museum account records 21 uncovered churches.
Hypotheses and open questions
The name’s origin and association of the large northern building with Peter and Asen are interpretations, not settled facts.
Myths and local traditions
The sources consulted do not document a reliable local tradition. We do not invent legends to fill the gap.
Sources and verification
These accounts are editorial summaries. The sources below let you check dates, discoveries and interpretations.
- РИМ–Велико Търново: Трапезица ↗www.museumvt.com
- Община Велико Търново: 20 години съвременни проучвания ↗www.veliko-tarnovo.bg