Church of St. Peter and Paul

"St. St. Peter and Paul "is located at the northern foothills of Tsarevets. The erection of the temple is connected with the transfer of the relics of St. John of Pliwitski by Tsar Kaloyan to the Tsarevgrad Turnov in Sofia. in 1204. A monastery complex was later formed around the church. This is the work of the wife of Tsar Ivan Asen II. After the capital of Turnovgrad fell under Ottoman rule in 1393, the monastery took over the functions of a patriarchal residence. In the period 1416-1439 the Bulgarian patriarchate was reduced to the rank of bishop, the complex around the church "St. Peter and Paul "became a metropolitan complex, and the temple itself - the Metropolitan Cathedral.

There are three stages in the painting of the temple in its execution. The first mural was made in the beginning of the 13th century, and a larger renovation of the temple painted decoration took place in the 15th century.

To the monastery complex with the main temple "St. Peter and Paul "include the church" St. Ivan Rilski ". An important role plays the history of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom when the relics of St. Ivan Rilski were laid there. Initially, they were transported from Sofia to the capital of Tarnovgrad and placed in a specially built church on the Trapezitsa hill. But after the Turks conquered the city, they were transferred to the church "St. Ivan Rilski ", and in 1469 the Rila monks were allowed to carry the relics of the saint in the Rila Monastery where they are still today.

Working hours:

April-October: 9.00 - 18.00

November-March: On request (30 minutes in advance) on 0885/144 622