Veliki Preslav stands as a symbol of the political power and cultural zenith of medieval Bulgaria. Declared the capital in 893 AD, the city became one of the most splendid and advanced urban centers in Southeastern Europe. It was here, under the reign of Tsar Simeon the Great, that the "Golden Age" of Bulgarian literature and arts flourished. Archaeological Reserve and Landmarks The National Historical and Archaeological Reserve "Veliki Preslav" preserves the ruins of this once-mighty metropolis: - The Inner and Outer City: Protected by massive white stone walls, these areas housed royal palaces, grand administrative buildings, and bustling artisan quarters. - The Round (Golden) Church: A masterpiece of medieval architecture, adorned with marble, mosaics, and the famous Preslav painted ceramics. - The Archaeological Museum: Home to the world-renowned Preslav Gold Treasure, the ceramic icon of St. Theodore Stratelates, and the largest collection of Byzantine and Bulgarian lead seals in the world. Cultural Legacy – The Preslav Literary School The city was the hub of the Preslav Literary School, where scholars like John Exarch and Constantine of Preslav translated sacred texts and established the Cyrillic alphabet. This intellectual activity turned Bulgaria into the spiritual and literary lighthouse of the Slavic world. Nature and Surroundings - Patleyna Locality: Located 6 km south of the city, this area is known as the "lungs" of Preslav. It features unique forests of wild carob and is home to the remains of the Patleyna Monastery, famous for its ceramic production. - Ancient Roots: Archaeological sites like the "Murtvitsata" mound indicate that the region has been inhabited since the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods.
Shumen
9.7 km away
Shumen
10.0 km away
Shumen
11.9 km away
Shumen
13.2 km away
Veliki Preslav is located in Shumen, Bulgaria.
Veliki Preslav is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Veliki Preslav can be visited year-round, but late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is the busiest season; winter is the quietest, with shorter daylight and possible cold weather.
Bulgarian settlements typically reward unhurried walking — historic centres, churches and monasteries, local markets, and family-run restaurants serving regional dishes. Larger towns often have museums and seasonal cultural events. The local tourist information centre is a good first stop for current opening hours and what's on.
