The first settlement built on this historic hill dates back to the Late Chalcolithic (4200 BC). It continued its development during the Bronze Age (IV-II BC) and the Iron Age (XIII-I BC), when its inhabitants were the Thracians. In V-VII on the site of the Thracian settlement is Zikideva - the largest city of the Byzantine Empire in the province of Lower Moesia. It was destroyed during the Avar-Slavic invasions in the 7th century.

The western fortress walls of Tsarevets

The palace church near the fortress Tsarevets In the IX century an old Bulgarian settlement appeared, which grew during the First Bulgarian state. In the XII century the construction of the fortress began, preserved to this day. The fortress has three entrances, the main entrance is located in the westernmost part of the hill. In the central part is located the Palace complex, which is a collection of buildings, surrounded by an inner stone wall, two battle towers and two entrances, from north and south. Includes Throne Hall, Palace Church and royal chambers.
The restoration of the Tsarevets fortress began in 1930 and was completed in 1981 in honor of the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian state. Kings Peter, Assen, Kaloyan and Ivan Assen II reigned there.