Historical themes can be explored at different places in Shumen Province: Pliska and Veliki Preslav mark two successive chapters of political history, while archaeological sites and museums offer additional perspectives. This gives you a clear historical framework for planning your trip, while also allowing you to focus on history, collections and individual experiences according to your interests.
Pliska and Veliki Preslav: Two Chapters
Pliska was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire from 681 to 893. In 893, following the Church and People’s Council of Preslav, Veliki Preslav was declared the capital of the Bulgarian state. The year 893 thus marks the transition between the two capital cities. The National Historical and Archaeological Reserve of Veliki Preslav preserves the remains of numerous churches, monasteries, workshops, studios and palaces. Its collection ranges from religious buildings to workshops and palaces, offering different perspectives on the site.
The Archaeological Museum of Veliki Preslav adds another dimension: its exhibits include the Preslav Gold Treasure, a ceramic iconostasis and a unique collection of lead seals. The museum objects offer a different focus from the preserved architectural remains in the reserve—useful if you want to explore historic sites and collections as distinct ways of learning about the past.
World Heritage, a Fortress and a Historic Memorial Complex
The Madara Rider, in the village of Madara, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. At Shumen Fortress, the documented history reaches far back: the first fortification on this site is believed to have been built about 3,200 years ago.
The Founders of the Bulgarian State Memorial Complex stands on a hill at an elevation of 450 metres. It forms a visual centre for the Bulgarian antiquities of Pliska and Preslav, the Madara Rider and Shumen Fortress. The complex also depicts Bulgaria’s cultural and social development from the 7th to the 10th century. Here, several of the region’s defining historical landmarks come together with a portrayal of this broader development.
Museums: From Everyday History to Music
The Regional History Museum in Shumen preserves more than 150,000 museum objects dating from the 5th millennium BC to the 20th century. This broad time span differs from the narrower historical focus of individual museums. The Lajos Kossuth House Museum combines the restored interior of a prosperous Bulgarian home from the National Revival period with a documentary exhibition on the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–1849.
Music history provides a distinct thematic focus: the Pancho Vladigerov Museum Complex traces the history of music in Shumen from the founding of the first orchestra for European music in Bulgarian territories in 1850 to the present-day achievements of Shumen’s musicians. Alongside the archaeological collections, the museum thus offers a view of another aspect of regional culture.
Experiences and Practical Information
Tsarev Brod Winery offers wine tours that can be booked and paid for through its website. Check availability and tour dates before your trip. A visit to Kabiyuk Stud Farm is possible only with a prior telephone reservation; make sure to arrange this before your visit.
An asphalt road leads to Shumen Fortress from the direction of Tombul Mosque, with signposts along the way. As road conditions can change, check them before driving.
Discover more destinations: Shumen, Kaspichan, Preselka, Veliki Preslav, Venets, Varbitsa, Kaspichan, Shumen, Veliki Preslav.
For the full travel overview: Bulgaria.
