The history of Targovishte is most strikingly brought to life at Misionis, also known as Krumovo Kale. The early Byzantine and medieval fortress lies seven kilometres from Targovishte on the road towards Omurtag; the area of the ancient ruins covers more than 150 decares. It was built under Justinian I in the late 5th century as part of the Byzantine defence system. In the late 9th century, a Bulgarian settlement with early medieval pit houses arose among the ruins. Later, the walls were rebuilt as part of Tarnovo’s defence system. This sequence reveals different historical phases at the same site. The site also includes a three-aisled basilica with a baptistery and a 14th-century necropolis that has been discovered there. Misionis is one of Bulgaria’s 100 national tourist sites.
History in the Fortress, Museum and Cityscape
The Regional Museum of Targovishte is housed in repurposed historic buildings dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is near the city centre and the Sofia–Varna road; its three permanent exhibitions are located close together. One exhibition covers the area’s history from prehistory to the Middle Ages, while another explores the culture and way of life of its population. The perspective thus shifts from a long historical period to everyday life in the region.
Local history can also be experienced at other sites. The Slaivekov School was built in 1863 as a secular school, is a cultural monument of national significance, and was a place where Petko R. Slaveikov taught. The Zaharieva House, also a cultural monument, is in Targovishte’s Varosha district. In the wider historical landscape, Misionis is almost equidistant from the former Bulgarian capitals of Pliska, Preslav and Tarnovo; Shumen Fortress and other archaeological sites are nearby.
Cave, Waterfall and Park
Svetlata Dupka Cave near Targovishte is considered easy to access. From there, you can enjoy views over Boaza and the hills of Misionis. The approach includes a shelter with tables and benches, as well as a path leading down to the cave. A waterfall near Boaza is about five metres high. A car stopping area is about seven kilometres from Targovishte; the waterfall itself is 20 to 30 metres from the main road.
Paths, children’s playgrounds and businesses surround a lake in Borovo Oko Park. Water lilies, turtles and large fish can be seen there. Nature-related activities in the municipality extend beyond individual sites: ecologically friendly activities in Targovishte Municipality include walks, mountain hikes, observing birds, animals and plants, and visiting natural attractions.
Choosing a Base
Targovishte Municipality is in Targovishte Province, Bulgaria. The province’s road connections include routes II-49, II-48, II-51 and II-74, as well as a network of third-class roads totalling 342 kilometres. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can also take the locations of the historic sites into account: the Regional Museum is near the city centre, while Misionis is seven kilometres from Targovishte. This lets you choose a base according to the topics that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Bozhurka, Bratovo, Opaka, Popovo, Omurtag, Antonovo.
Return to the main travel overview: Targovishte Province.
