
On the hill above the town of Shumen stands the Shumen Fortress or better known among the locals as the “Old Town”. It is located in the area of the Shumen plateau and can be reached on foot or by car, starting from Kyoshkove Park (about 3 km).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vu6S5BfxeXb834ZP7
It is a good idea for those visiting Shumen for the first time to explore the Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State” and “Shumen Fortress” together. This will save one drive to the Shumen Plateau. The two attractions are connected by an asphalt road (about 1 km). It is easy to get from one attraction to the other.
The Shumen Fortress is situated on an area of 32 acres and there are reports that it appeared more than 3000 years ago, originally used mainly for residential purposes.
During the First Bulgarian Kingdom it became an important point of defence and was of strategic importance in the protection of the capitals of Pliska and Veliki Preslav.
It flourished most during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It became an important economic and cultural center in addition to a military one. At that time, the capital was already Veliko Tarnovo. It was considerably further away from Pliska and Veliki Preslav.
The Old Town of Shumen became one of the most important towns in the region. The end of the history of the Shumen Fortress came in 1444 when Vladislav III Jagiello’s troops captured it and burned it to the ground.
Excavations began in 1957 and to date it is one of the best excavated archaeological sites in Bulgaria.
An interesting fact is that until less than 70 years ago it was completely underground and the place was used as a picnic meadow.
Shumen Fortress is among the “100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” and besides the excavations and the comprehensive information on the signs, visitors can also explore the museum, which is located on the territory of the complex.
– Remains of more than 12 churches
– A citadel where the rulers of the city lived
– Triangular and pentagonal towers, built deliberately so
– A sign indicating the level of the ground before excavations began
The Shumen Fortress is open for visitors with the following opening hours:
April – October : 09:00h. – 19:00h., without day off
November – March : 09:00 – 17:00, no day off
Entrance fee:
Adults – BGN 4.
Children under 7 – free
Families:
1 adult + 2 children – BGN 8.
2 adults + 1 child – BGN 10
Do not be surprised if during your visit you spot a professional photo shoot or a drone flying above you. This is no accident! The outer wall of the Shumen Fortress is located on a cliff, and the views from there are indescribable – a must experience!
Useful fact: The Old Town is not that busy and you can often be on your own when exploring it, allowing you to wander around leisurely and not wait in line to read the information signs or take photos and videos to remember it by.