Shumen Fortress Historical-Archaeological Preserve – Shumen
Shumen Fortress is one of the most famous landmarks in Bulgaria and the Shumen region. The remains of the fortress are 3 kilometres away from the centre of modern-day Shumen. The fortress is situated in the Shumen Plateau.
Shumen Fortress was probably first built by Thracians and was later completed and reconstructed by Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians. It is believed that the first fortification built in this place is 3200 years old, which makes it one of the oldest fortifications in Bulgaria. Conquered and demolished many times, Shumen Fortress rose to new life and existed until 1444.
During the First Bulgarian Empire /680 AD – 1018 AD / the fortification played a crucial role due to its closeness to the old Bulgarian capitals Pliska and Preslav. During the Second Bulgarian Empire /1185 – 1396 / the town of Shumen became an important economic and cultural centre of the state.
Until the 15th century, the town of Shumen was situated within the fortress that comprised a sophisticated compound of buildings and military equipment. The fortress continued its existence during the first years of the Ottoman rule, and as archaeological research reveals, it wasn’t demolished by Ottomans when they conquered it. In 1444, however, the crusaders led by Vladislav Varnenchik (who reigned in the period 1434 – 1444) destroyed and burned it, and this led to its abandonment.
The remains of the fortress are perhaps some of the most thoroughly studied ancient remains on the territory of Bulgaria. Research provided important information about the way of life and the military customs of Bulgarians during the Middle Ages. The remains of 12 churches, as well as an ancient Roman bath, pottery, vessels, adornments, and coins were found.
Today Shumen Fortress is reborn as a popular tourist destination. It is exhibited as an open-air museum. Visitors are provided with easy access to the remains thanks to the alleys and signs. Tourists are most attracted by the rebuilt tower of the fortress that offers a beautiful view of the town of Shumen and the Shumen Plateau Nature Park.
You can learn more about the fortress from guides on site. Lectures are given in Bulgarian, Russian, and English. Additional information materials such as books and brochures can be purchased from a small kiosk next to the fortress. The fortress is open for tourists all year round.
Opening hours
Opening hours:
November – March:
every day from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
April – October:
every day from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Admission: Adults: BGN 3
Admission: Students and people with disabilities – BGN 1.
Lecture given in Bulgarian – BGN 5 per group
Lecture given in a foreign language – BGN 10 per group
Contacts
Shumen Fortress
Tel: +359 54 800 351
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://museum-shumen.eu/
There is a good asphalt road leading to the fortress. In order to get there, you must start from Tombul Mosque, another famous tourist attraction in Shumen, and follow the signs.
Guides provide services to tourists. Lectures are given in Bulgarian, Russian, and English.
”MADARA HORSEMAN” MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE OF TOURISM – SHUMEN
Contacts
Tel: +359 54 857773
Website: www.tourism-shumen.com
e-mail: [email protected]
17, Slavyanski Blvd, town of Shumen, 9700
Services
1. Free securing, updating and providing schedules of transport means – trains, autobuses, airplanes, ships, etc.
2. Paid reservations for transportation, accommodation, catering, visits of cultural, sports, etc. events.
3. Paid tour guide services.
4. Paid computer /text processing, working with the internet, printing/ and copying services.
5. Paid distribution of all ties of tourist and cultural advertising materials – on paper media /leaflets, cards, postcards, brochures, guide books, albums, manuals, books, etc./, on electronic media /video, CD and DVD records/ and souvenirs, and works of arts and crafts.
6. Providing motor vehicles, mini buses and buses for rent.
7. Paid intermediation for visiting and examining of ethnographic sites, Bulgarian folklore dances, music and rituals, and participation in courses for their studying.
8. Using an electronic advertising board within fixed terms.
9. Sale of phone cards and telephone tokens.
Virtual map
Pictures
© All images, advertising and video materials and/or other information published on this website are property of the Ministry of Tourism and are protected by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights, according to the Bulgarian laws to all applicable international and relevant acts of the European Union.