History
Targovishte is a city in northeastern Bulgaria with a rich historical background. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine presence. The city itself emerged during the medieval period, first gaining prominence in the 12th century as an important market town.
Its name, Targovishte, comes from the Slavic word "targ," meaning "market," reflecting its role as a key trading hub. During the Ottoman era, Targovishte continued to thrive as a commercial center, benefiting from its strategic location on trade routes connecting Central Europe and the Middle East. In the 19th century, Targovishte became a focal point for Bulgarian national revival and liberation movements. The city saw economic growth and development in the post-liberation period, contributing to the region's cultural and educational advancements.
Today, Targovishte is known for its historical landmarks, including the old town with preserved traditional architecture, and continues to be a vital economic and cultural center in Bulgaria.
Museums
Regional history museum Targovishte
The Historical Museum of Targovishte was founded in 1951. It is a successor of the created in the 20s of XX century museum collections. The first permanent exposition was in 1953. In 1960 the museum became an independent institution and starts caring about the systematic study and promotion of the history of Targovishte region. The museum fund is about 30 000 objects - physical and documentary monuments from the Neolithic (VII century BC) until today. Among them are some unique collections and exhibits - Eneolithic cult scene from the village of Ovcharovo, a gold Thracian treasure from the village of Kralevo and others.
Ethnographic Museum
The Hadjiangel House Museum is an architectural monument of culture from the 19th century in Targovishte.
Built in 1863 by craftsmen from Trevna, the building is an example of a symmetrical Revival house with wood-carved decoration, artistically inscribed holkers and modern architectural details for its time - alafranga, brick stove and others.
The Bulgarian merchant Hadji Angel Hadji Drumev lived in it, tools used in viticulture, pottery, agriculture and others can be seen in it.
Entertainment
Hotels and restaurants
Hotel Idol - for more information please visit the official site.
Hotel Han Krum - for more information please visit the official site.
*please keep in mind that these are only some of the options available in Targovishte.
*photo credits: https://images.app.goo.gl/EicfkFsXAvb76C739, https://images.app.goo.gl/BMb6pvFPsBfJCyWr6, https://images.app.goo.gl/MB7Lm2MJs6c46RaE8, https://images.app.goo.gl/nfmbpVToFmddSQ4L9,