The Shumen province has a massive hundred meter cliff where the only rock relief of its kind in Europe is carved. The Madara Horseman is a majestic eighth century carving that shows a rider triumphing over a lion. You can climb the steep stone stairs to reach the top of the plateau for a view that stretches across the entire Danubian plain. This area was a sacred site for the first Bulgarian kings and you can still feel the ancient power in the wind. It is a legendary stop that marks the very beginning of the nation.
Drive a short distance to see the Monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State which looms over the city of Shumen. This giant concrete structure is built in a sharp cubist style and features massive statues of kings and heroes. You can walk through the tall pillars and look at the colorful mosaics that tell the story of the empire. It is one of the most unique examples of modern architecture in the Balkans and looks like something from a science fiction movie. The scale of the monument is truly breathtaking when you stand at its feet.
The journey continues to the ruins of Pliska which was the first capital of the country. You can drive right up to the Great Basilica which was once the largest Christian church in the region. The white stone arches have been partially rebuilt so you can see the massive size of the original structure. Walking through the open fields where the palace once stood gives you a sense of how vast the early kingdom was. This province is a deep dive into the royal roots of Bulgaria.
Shumen (province) highlights
- Madara Horseman features a royal rock carving from the eighth century high on a limestone cliff. Climb the stairs to the top of the plateau for a view of the entire northern plain. See a unique national symbol that remains the only carving of its kind in all of Europe.
- Founder’s Monument towers over the city as a giant concrete structure with massive stone statues. Walk through the interior to see colorful mosaics that tell the story of the ancient kings. View this impressive site from many miles away while driving toward the city center.
- Shumen Fortress exists as an open air museum on a high plateau overlooking the modern city streets. Explore the walls and towers to see how the stronghold grew from ancient times to the middle ages. View the valley and the surrounding hills from the high stone ramparts.
- Pliska Ruins mark the first capital of the land with a massive white stone church in a wide field. Walk the palace foundations and see secret tunnels used by the kings many centuries ago. Explore a very large site that shows the grand scale of the first great empire.
- Veliki Preslav reveals the ruins of the second capital where the famous Golden Church once stood. Visit the museum to see white painted clay and royal gold jewelry from the medieval court. View the fine stone work that shows the wealth of the kings who lived in this valley.
- Divdyadovo Rocks form a high limestone ridge perfect for climbing or a scenic drive with a view. Look out over the whole valley and the city from the edge of the tall and rocky cliffs. Visit this popular spot for those who love wild and high stone landscapes in the north.
- Sherba Forest provides a quiet area for a road trip through deep woods and small rolling hills. Follow the mountain trails to find the peace of nature under the thick green forest leaves. Experience a wild place where the air stays cool even during the hot summer months.
- Tombul Mosque stands as the largest mosque in the land featuring very beautiful interior paintings. View the landmark domes and the tall tower that define the history of the local city. Sit in the quiet courtyard to see the beautiful stone fountain and the historic art.
- Kyoshkovete Park leads you from the city into the forest of the Shumen plateau along a green valley. Stop at one of the many cold mountain springs while walking the shady paths under the trees. Enjoy an easy walk in a place that is popular for its fresh air and nature.
- Patleina Reserve hides rare trees and the ruins of an old monastery within a quiet mountain forest. Visit this hidden gem to find the quiet side of the historical region in the north. Breathe the clean air and listen to the birds while exploring the deep and green woods.
The local Four
History of Shumen (province)
Shumen is the Birthplace of Bulgaria. The province holds the first two capitals of the Bulgarian state: Pliska and Veliki Preslav. Pliska was a massive fortress covering 23 square kilometers, featuring a stone palace with an underground heating system. Preslav was the center of the Golden Age of literature, where the Cyrillic alphabet was refined and spread throughout the Slavic world.
The province most iconic site is the Madara Horseman, a 9th century rock relief carved 23 meters high on a limestone cliff. It is the only such monument in Europe and depicts a triumphant khan, a lion, and a dog, symbolizing the power of the early Bulgarian state. Above the city of Shumen sits the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, a brutalist masterpiece that uses 50,000 tons of concrete to depict the nation history.
For travelers, the Shumen Fortress offers a walk through 3,000 years of history, from the Thracians to the Middle Ages. The Tombul Mosque in the city is the largest in Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful in the Balkans, with its intricate tulip style architecture. From the white ruins of the Golden Church in Preslav to the high plateau of the Madara cliffs, Shumen is a province where the foundations of the nation were literally laid in stone.