Veliki Preslav Tourist info and Hotels

Veliki Preslav (Great Preslav) is a small town in northeastern Bulgaria, situated on the banks of Kamchia River, on 22 km. from the city of Shumen. Once the town was a capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The first settlement (fortress) dates back over 1 100 years under the reign of Knyaz Boris I (852 - 889). A bit later in 893 the town was declared a capital of the Bulgarian Empire, replacing Pliska as such with a new King - Simeon the Great.

 

Veliki Preslav Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest

Veliki Preslav National Historical - Architectural Reserve

The National Historical - Architectural Reserve in the town is one of the 100 Tourist Sites of the country and was declared as a reserve in 1958. Veliki Preslav is dotted with the remains of numerous churches, monasteries, workshops, studios, the Big and the Western palaces, representing the rich cultural heritage and prosperity. Smaller valuable items are preserved in the Archaeological Museum in the town. Located south of the contemporary Preslav, the reserve itself occupies a territory of 500 hectares, but there are many other spots if interest around outside it.
The town has been intensively developing and during the 930s and 940s reached the peak in its growth and wealth in under the reign of Tsar Peter I. One of the most interesting sites however - The Golden Church was built before that when Tsar Simeon I (893 - 927) ruled.
For a finish, if you are into cultural tourism you have hit the right place! However, since once here do not miss to visit and the nearby Pliska (the First Bulgarian Capital), Patleyna, The Madara Horseman and Madara Fortress, as well as the Nature Park of Shumen's Plateau and its old town.

Veliki Preslav Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum Veliki Preslav, in the town with same name is maybe one of the most interesting in Bulgaria in regard of ancient culture and heritage. The idea for a museum to preserve the rich findings in the area exists since the liberation from the Turkish yoke, but the museum was established way later in 1949 when a structure that was planned to become a monastery was transformed and turned officially into museum. However, smaller displays are present here almost for a century, although the building was not yet announced as a museum.
 It is located right next to the ruins and due to the many new discoveries over the years more and more exhibitions were added.

There are fantastic collections of various artifacts from different periods since the Second Bulgarian Capital was moved to Veliki Preslav in 893 with King Simeon the Great.
The abundant exhibits include masterpieces of the ancient masters - painted ceramics, adornments, The Gold Treasure, important monuments from the Middle Ages, inscriptions, seals, weapons and many more.
The exhibitions are divided into five categories - Preslavian Gold Treassure, Painted Ceramics, Seals, Stone Carvings and Inscriptions.
The museum provides access for people with disabilities and various discounted tickets for family and group visits.

 

The Round Church (the Golden / the Church of Saint John) in Veliki Preslav

The Round Church in the Second Bulgarian Capital of Veliki Preslav (also known as the Golden or the Church of Saint John) dates back to the early X century and is one of the major attractions in the National Historical-Architectural Reserve in the town.
It was discovered and firstly studied in 1927 - 1928 and is considered to be one of the greatest example of the Bulgarian architecture during the Middle Ages.

It is 38,5 metres long and is erected from rectangular limestone blocks. Scientists are still not sure if this was intended to be a church, part of a monastery or a separate cathedral; in either case it is not less majestic and impressive. The Golden Church has three sections, leading one into other - Atrium (the outer area), Narthex (an entrance, lobby) and Rotunda (the inner eastern part where the liturgy was held).
Outside the temple is richly decorated (mainly with ceramics) and inside one will find various inscriptions, signs and drawings.
In 1970, the church was featured in the list of monuments of culture with national importance and as a part of the entire reserve is also listed in the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.
Once here do not miss to visit and the nearby Archeological Museum and Patleyna Nature Reserve!