GALLERY OF FINE ARTS (ХУДОЖЕСТВЕНА ГАЛЕРИЯ)

Built in 1928 as an art school, this imposing building was converted into an art gallery in 1985. Since 2003, on the initiative of Veliko Tarnovo artists and to mark the 120th anniversary of Boris Denev's birth, it has been named after the famous Veliko Tarnovo artist. It features a permanent exhibition of some 200 works in the graphic arts, painting and sculpture sections. One room is entirely dedicated to the works of Boris Denev. Among the most remarkable and valuable works are the paintings "The Assen Uprising and Peter 1185" (1981), by Alexander Terziev, "Portrait of Maria Popova" (1862), by Nikolai Pavlovich, "Farewell to Patriarch Evtimiy" (1969), by Svetlin Rusev, "Vitosha" (1936), by Boris Denev, the sculpture "Crucifixion", by Alyosha Kafedzhiyski, or Vasil Zahariev's engraving "The Renaissance Painter Ivan Obrazopilov". In addition to the works on permanent display, the Veliko Tarnovo Art Gallery offers a program of temporary exhibitions.

The monument to the Assenids (Assénevtsi ) stands opposite the gallery's imposing building. A gigantic 1985 communist sculpture celebrating the three brothers of the family that ruled Bulgaria after its liberation from the Byzantine yoke in 1185. Superb 360° view of the city! The site hosts open-air cultural events during the summer season.