TODAY.AZ / Society

Heydar Aliyev Foundation to restore Bulgarian fortress

29 May 2015 [09:55] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation will finance the restoration of the historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria - Tsarevets Fortress.

The Foundation has allocated some $1.4 million for the restoration of the fortress and preparing it for the next tourist season.

The Bulgarian press reported that the agreement was signed by Vezhdi Rashidov, the culture minister, Daniev Panov, Veliko Tarnovo Mayor and Anar Aliperov, the CEO of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Sofia on May 27.

“We thank the Foundation for lending us such a helping hand, and we hope to continue such cultural and historical exchange,” Rashidov stated.

Addressing the ceremony, Boyko Borisov, the prime minister, thanked Azerbaijani President Ilaham Aliev, noting that Bulgaria is receiving this support only two months after the officials' last conversation.

The Prime Minister outlined the importance of the town of Veliko Tarnovo as a tourist center and stated that the signed agreement will contribute not only tourism development, but also the economic development in the region.

Towering above the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets must be Bulgaria’s most famous medieval fortress.

For some 200 years, this spacious and well-guarded castle served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393.

The whole stronghold is girdled by thick walls and was served by three gates. The main gate was at the hill's westernmost part, on a narrow rock massif, and featured a drawbridge.

The palace is located on the hill's central and plain part, which was a closed complex encircled by a fortified wall, 2 towers and 2 entrances, a main one from the north and one from the south.

It housed the palaces of the emperor and the patriarch as well as Bulgaria’s most holy patriarchal cathedral and its dungeons were the resting place of Latin emperors and petty criminals alike.

With only pedestrian access one can peacefully wander around the ancient ruins, walk along the breathtaking fortress walls.

Earlier, Azerbaijan and the Vatican signed two agreements on the restoration of a monument to Zeus, and the reconstruction of the Sistine Chapel at Vatican Museum.

In 2014 Azerbaijan has funded another excavation work in the Italian capital, Rome for excavating the city's Imperial Forum.

Moreover, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Vatican signed an agreement back in 2012 on the restoration of the Sacred Marcellino and Pietro catacombs, an important contribution to the Christian world.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/society/141063.html

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