Minister Angelkova has attended the celebrations on the occasion of 108 years since the proclamation of the Independence of Bulgaria in Veliko Tarnovo

Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova took part in the celebrations on the occasion of 108 years since the proclamation of the Independence of Bulgaria. She attended the morning liturgy in the  “St. Forty Martyrs” church and put flowers on the grave of Tsar Kaloyan. The celebrations continued with a walking procession through the center of Veliko Tarnovo and laying of wreaths at the pyramid of the Independence on Tsarevets.

Minister Angelkova attended the opening to visitors of the specialized fortress and exhibition in the Trapezitsa Architectural and Museum Reserve. The site was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov and the first lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva – President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which allocated funds for the restoration of the fortress. During the event a new special postage stamp, dedicated to Trapezitsa, was validated, which was in a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bulgaria.

At a formal ceremony in the building of the Constituent Assembly, the mayor of the town Daniel Panov awarded Mehriban Aliyeva with the status of an honorary citizen of the town of Veliko Tarnovo and the University of Ruse granted the title Doctor Honoris Causa to the first lady.

Among the official guests of the celebrations today were the Vice President of the National Assembly Dimitar Glavchev, the Minister of Defence Nikolay Nenchev, the Chairman of GERB Parliamentary Group Tsvetan Tsvetanov, the Governor of Veliko Tarnovo Prof. Pencho Penchev, members of the parliament, municipal councillors etc.

The western fortress wall of nearly 200 m, together with three medieval churches with original frescoes from the period 13th - 14th centuries, were built thanks to the donation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.  A central tourist alley linking the upper station of the existing panoramic elevator with the southern tower of the fortress was implemented.

Artistic lighting was fitted, the street and sidewalks at the foot of the fortress underwent major renovation and a car park area was made. A Center for Cultural Heritage Interpretation shows the grandeur of Tarnovgrad and the Second Bulgarian Kingdom via interactive screens, visualization with multimedia and other spectacular methods of modern museology. One of the most valuable exhibits that can be seen is the Medallion with Lions of the Shishmans, unearthed in 1990 during the first excavations of George Seure on the hill, which is entwined in the coat of arms of Veliko Tarnovo.