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All Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo
Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

AO Edited

Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo

A decaying, yet still functioning, work of communist architecture.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Added By
Graham Walker
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  grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
  grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
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May 2023   DMStephenson / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo stands near the center of the Bulgarian town of Veliko Tarnovo. Standing out amongst the more traditional buildings, this could be described as an outstanding example of 1980s communist architecture, or otherwise as an eyesore that should be demolished. As an example of its popularity, the hotel has been featured on a number of online forums and blogs with regards to its distinctive take on brutalist structure.

Construction on the hotel began in 1967, but the project was not completed until 1981. Difficult terrain, unplanned changes in materials, and a change in management were among the setbacks that this monumental architectural project faced. 

The hotel was rather extravagant back in its heyday, housing a swimming pool and riverside nightclub. Unfortunately, it appears that these have been closed and decaying for a number of years now. In 2017, the hotel business went bankrupt and after concerns that the building may be left derelict, a new owner took over. Time will tell over whether the condition of the hotel will be able to return to its glory days.

Reviews online give some idea of the current state of the hotel. Despite still welcoming guests, it appears that the building is semi-abandoned. Perhaps this is what makes the hotel stand out though, as it allows visitors to step back in time.

Related Tags

Hotels Architecture Communist Architecture Brutalism

Know Before You Go

There is adequate parking on the streets around the hotel. You can get a great view of the hotel and its architecture from Asen’s Monument which lies across the river, also well worth a visit if in the area. Read reviews online before booking a stay, they are variable..

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Added By

grahamstewartwalker

Edited By

jlord7, DMStephenson

  • jlord7
  • DMStephenson

Published

July 19, 2021

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  • https://www.sosbrutalism.org/cms/16133057
Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo
2 ul. "Alexander Penchev"
Veliko Tarnovo, 5000
Bulgaria
43.082223, 25.635978
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Asen Dynasty Monument

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

miles away

Ascension Cathedral

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

miles away

Transfiguration Monastery Tunnel

Samovodene, Bulgaria

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgaria

Places 4

Nearby Places

Asen Dynasty Monument

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

miles away

Ascension Cathedral

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

miles away

Transfiguration Monastery Tunnel

Samovodene, Bulgaria

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgaria

Places 4

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