The church contains a marble column inscribed with the personal victory proclamation of Tsar Ivan Asen II from 1230.
During the Ottoman period, the church was converted into a mosque, which led to the whitewashing of the original medieval frescoes.
Archaeological excavations revealed the grave of Tsar Kaloyan, identified by a gold ring bearing the inscription 'Kaloyanov prasten'.
The site served as a necropolis for the Second Bulgarian Empire’s aristocracy.
The architecture consists of a primary central nave and two side aisles, reflecting the typical Bulgarian church style of the 13th century.
Inscriptions on the columns document historical milestones, including border delineations of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
The Holy Forty Martyrs Church is a medieval Orthodox church located in the Asenova neighborhood of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. It was commissioned in 1230 by Tsar Ivan Asen II to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Klokotnitsa. The structure was built over the ruins of an older church and features three apses and six columns. It served as the burial site for Bulgarian royals, including Tsar Ivan Asen II and Tsar Kaloyan. The interior contains rare 13th-century frescoes and distinct stone inscriptions. In the 19th century, the church underwent significant modifications and expansions that obscured some original features. It currently functions as a museum branch under the Veliko Tarnovo Regional History Museum. The site sits on the bank of the Yantra River near the base of the Tsarevets fortress.
From the river bank path looking toward the church with the Tsarevets fortress visible in the background.
Pair your visit with a trip to the nearby Tsarevets Fortress, as the church is a short walk from its main entrance.
Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibition schedules before visiting.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the surrounding historic neighborhood features uneven cobblestone streets.
Avoid relying on GPS navigation for vehicle access, as many streets in the Asenova neighborhood are narrow or pedestrian-only.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; check for potential limited access during winter months.
Maintain a quiet volume; modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected inside the building.
