Ksilifor Cheshma, Veliko Tarnovo, 5000

## Overview Ksilifor Cheshma is a traditional Bulgarian public drinking spring located along ul. "Ksiliforska" 8a in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Situated just outside the historic city — once the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire — this roadside fountain continues a centuries-old tradition of communal water sources, known in Bulgarian as *cheshmi*, that dot the country's towns and countryside. The spring draws its water from an underground source and feeds two side-by-side fountains. Locals have reportedly been fetching water here for generations, and the water from the right-hand fountain is said to be particularly fresh and tasty. Interestingly, a long-standing local belief advises against drinking from the left fountain. While there appears to be no documented reason for this — and it may simply be a superstition passed down through the community — most regular visitors stick to the right fountain as a matter of tradition. No laboratory water-quality tests are known to have been conducted at this spring. While locals have historically used it as a drinking water source, visitors should be aware that water quality has not been independently verified. ## Directions **Route 1 — Via Route 514 (from Veliko Tarnovo center):** 1. Head south from Veliko Tarnovo on Route 514. 2. After approximately 10 minutes of driving, cross the bridge over the Yantra River. 3. Continue past the X Land Paintball center, which will appear on your right shortly after the bridge. 4. Slow down and look to your left — the twin fountains of Ksilifor Cheshma will be visible on the roadside just a few meters further along. **Route 2 — Via Route 4 (alternate approach):** 1. From Veliko Tarnovo, take Route 4 heading east. 2. Turn left at the Srubska Skara Expres restaurant. 3. Take the first available left turn. 4. Pass the Mestnost park on your right. 5. The fountains will appear a short distance ahead on your right. **GPS Coordinates:** 43.084837, 25.66055 ## What to Expect Ksilifor Cheshma is a simple, no-frills roadside spring — two stone or concrete fountains standing side by side along the road. The water flows freely and the site is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost. The setting is semi-rural, positioned between the outskirts of Veliko Tarnovo and the surrounding Bulgarian countryside. Visitors often stop here while driving through the area to fill bottles. The right-hand fountain is the one favored by locals, so follow their lead if you choose to sample the water. There are no formal facilities, signage, or amenities at the spring — it's a utilitarian community water point rather than a tourist attraction. That said, its proximity to Veliko Tarnovo makes it easy to combine with a visit to the city's famous Tsarevets Fortress, the old town's cobblestone streets, and the scenic Yantra River gorge. The spring flows year-round, though water pressure may vary seasonally. Parking is informal — simply pull off the road near the fountains.