Discover Shumen Province: History and Culture

The Madara Rider has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Pliska was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire from 681 to 893. Following the Church and People’s Council of Preslav in 893, Veliki Preslav was declared the capital of the Bulgarian state.

The histories of Pliska and Veliki Preslav offer a clear comparison across time: Pliska was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire for more than two centuries. In 893, Veliki Preslav was declared the capital of the Bulgarian state. The National Historical and Archaeological Reserve of Veliki Preslav preserves the remains of numerous churches, monasteries, workshops, studios and palaces. These different types of structures give the site a multifaceted archaeological profile.

Another highlight is the Madara Rider in the village of Madara, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. The documented history of the site of Shumen Fortress reaches even further back: the first fortification here is believed to have been built about 3,200 years ago. This date is explicitly an approximate archaeological estimate.

The Founders of the Bulgarian State Memorial Complex stands on a hill at an altitude of 450 metres. It depicts Bulgaria’s cultural and social development from the 7th to the 10th century and forms a visual centre for the Bulgarian antiquities of Pliska, Preslav, the Madara Rider and Shumen Fortress. Historical sites and a depiction of their cultural development thus offer different ways of exploring the past.

The Archaeological Museum of Veliki Preslav displays, among other items, the Preslav Gold Treasure, a ceramic iconostasis and a unique collection of lead seals. The treasure, ceramics and seals represent three distinct collection highlights. The Regional History Museum in Shumen preserves more than 150,000 museum objects spanning the period from the 5th millennium BC to the 20th century.

The Pancho Vladigerov Museum Complex focuses on music history. It traces the story from the founding of the first orchestra for European music in the Bulgarian territories in 1850 to the present-day achievements of musicians from Shumen. If you are interested in different ways of telling cultural stories, you can compare its musical theme with the broad historical span of the Regional History Museum’s collection.

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. Compared with the archaeological collections, it shows just how varied the museum themes in Shumen Province are: here, the focus is on both domestic culture and a political history beyond Bulgaria.

Tsarev Brod Winery offers wine tours that can be booked and paid for through its website. Check the available tour dates before your trip. A visit to Kabiyuk Stud Farm requires advance booking by phone, so an unplanned visit is not the right approach.

An asphalt road leads to Shumen Fortress from the direction of the Tombul Mosque, with signposts along the way. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route before your visit. This describes access from the stated direction, not a road through the centre.

When searching for a hotel, you can first consider whether archaeological sites, museum collections or a wine tour will be the main focus of your trip. Discover other destinations in Shumen Province: Varbitsa, Shumen, Kaspichan, Veliki Preslav, Venets, Shumen, Veliki Preslav, Preselka and Kaspichan.

What is preserved in the Veliki Preslav Reserve?

The remains of numerous churches, monasteries, workshops, studios and palaces are preserved there.

What exhibits does the Archaeological Museum of Veliki Preslav display?

The collections mentioned include the Preslav Gold Treasure, a ceramic iconostasis and lead seals.

Can you visit Kabiyuk Stud Farm without booking in advance?

No. A visit is possible only with an advance booking by phone.

How do you book a wine tour at Tsarev Brod Winery?

The tour can be booked and paid for through the website. Check the available dates in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Bulgaria.