IMG_7478 - In Bulgaria the stork is a harbinger of spring. They migrate in huge numbers between Africa and Europe across Bulgaria.
IMG_7482 - The Lion statue at the entrance to the Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, with the Trapezitsa fortress beyond
IMG_7483 - The entrance gate of the Tsarevets Fortress and the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God
IMG_7485 - From the wall of the fort, Veliki Tarnovo in the Yantra River Valley, more of the fort, and Arbanasi on top beyond
IMG_7486 - The entrance gate with a portcullis, and originally a draw-bridge, is on a high rock ridge that was easily defended.
IMG_7490 - Beyond that first gate, farther along the narrow ridge is a second gate through the main wall.
IMG_7498 - Modern bells. Originally the only ones were in the church.
IMG_7501 - This Tsarevets fortress served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393.
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IMG_7504 - The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God. It was renovated in 1981, during the Communist regime.
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IMG_7509 - The modernistic murals of the renovated cathedral have prevented its being reconsecrated as a church.