Tsaravets, the "City of the Tsars", towers above the town of which it is the heart and soul. It continues to bear witness to the saga which made the Assen dynasty (1218-1393) one of the most brilliant in Europe. At first sight, Tsaravets appears like a wooded hill surrounded by an impressive defensive system and crowned by the tower of the patriarchal church. It is accessible via a narrow rocky isthmus. Even though only a few buildings remain, exploring the citadel is a delightful experience in all seasons, but particularly in spring.