Attractions and Places To See in Shumen Region - Top 13
Attractions and places to see in Shumen Region encompass a variety of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The region is characterized by its plateau, dense forests, and karst formations, offering diverse landscapes for exploration. It holds significant historical importance with ancient fortifications and monuments marking key periods of Bulgarian history. Visitors can explore a range of sites from rock reliefs to archaeological reserves.
Best attractions and places to see in Shumen Region
- The most popular attractions is Madara Rider Relief, a man-made monument that is an early medieval rock relief carved into a 100-meter-high cliff. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site depicting a horseman triumphing over a lion.
- Another must-see spot is Madara Fortress Ruins, a historical site accessible via a rock staircase with 386 steps. This fortress existed until the late 14th century and features high walls and foundations of a church.
- Visitors also love Khan Krum Rock Monastery, a cave and historical site located on the Shumen Plateau. This monastery utilizes a natural cave adapted and carved for monastic use, featuring a conch shell-shaped church carved directly into the rock.
- Shumen Region is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and archaeological reserves. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient fortifications to unique rock formations.
- The attractions in Shumen Region are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 upvotes and 8 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Madara Fortress Ruins
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Khan Krum Rock Monastery
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Madara Rider Relief
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Madara Caves
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Daul Tash (Kapishte) Ruins
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„Kapishte“ were called the sacred places of the proto-Bulgarians in the pre-Christian era.
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Shumen Fortress
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Captured by Ali Pasha in 1388, the fortress also existed in the early period of Ottoman rule. In 1444, during the clash of the crusaders led by Vladislav III Jagielo with the Turkish garrison, it was destroyed and burned.
Today, the Shumen fortress is exhibited as an open-air museum.
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Yard of the Cyrillic Alphabet
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The visit starts with the open court of the alphabet - huge stone models of all the letters, each combined with objects whose names start with that very letter. Then comes the Alley of the Writers - in the open, there are busts of very prominent writers of all times, from many different countries who used the Cyrillic in their works and all the busts have been made by the most famous sculptors of the nationality of each writer.
There are also some exhibitions in a fortress-like building. In a small hall, drawings are on display, depicting various scenes of the life of the holy brothers. In another hall all the letters of the Cyrillic alphabet, all made of wood, are exhibited, and there are beautiful wood-carved panels with the letters of the Cyrillic and its predecessor, the Glagolitic alphabet. On the second floor of the "fortress", there are wax statues of all Bulgarian khans and tsars (kings) with some information about each of them, unfortunately in Bulgarian only - Khan Asparuh, the founder of Bulgaria; Khan Kubrat, his father; Khan Tervel who stopped the Arabs to invade Europe; Khan Kardam who was the nightmare of Byzantium; Khan Krum, the legislator aka the "Dreadful"; Khan Omurtag, the builder of the First Bulgarian Kingdom; Tsar Boris I, his wife Queen Maria and their son, Tsar Simeon the Great.
The fact it was built in the first Bulgarian capital, Pliska, contributes further to the overall experience.
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Shrine of Boris I of Bulgaria
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Despite a number of military setbacks, the reign of Boris I was marked with significant events that shaped Bulgarian and European history. With the Christianization of Bulgaria in 864 paganism (i.e. Tengrism) was abolished. A skillful diplomat, Boris I successfully exploited the conflict between the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Papacy to secure an autocephalous Bulgarian Church, thus dealing with the nobility's concerns about Byzantine interference in Bulgaria's internal affairs.
When in 885 the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius were banished from Great Moravia, Boris I gave them refuge and provided assistance to develop the Cyrillic script and the Slavic literature. After he abdicated in 889, his eldest son and successor tried to restore the old pagan religion but was deposed by Boris I. During the Council of Preslav which followed that event, the Byzantine clergy was replaced with Bulgarians, and the Greek language was replaced with what is now known as Old Church Slavonic.
The early 9th century marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the Greek East and Latin West, which would ultimately lead to the schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church in Constantinople and the Catholic Church in Rome.
As early as 781, the Empress Irene began to seek a closer relationship with the Carolingian dynasty and the Papacy. She negotiated a marriage between her son, Constantine, and Rotrude, a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. Irene went as far as to send an official to instruct the Frankish princess in Greek; however, Irene herself broke off the engagement in 787, against her son's wishes. When the Second Council of Nicaea of 787 reintroduced the veneration of icons under Empress Irene, the result was not recognized by Charlemagne since no Frankish emissaries had been invited even though Charlemagne was by then ruling more than three provinces of the old Roman empire. While this improved relations with the Papacy, it did not prevent the outbreak of a war with the Franks, who took over Istria and Benevento in 788.
When Charlemagne was proclaimed Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Leo III, the Pope was effectively nullifying the legitimacy of Irene. He certainly desired to increase the influence of the papacy and to honour his protector Charlemagne. Irene, like many of her predecessors since Justinian I, was too weak to protect Rome and its much-reduced citizenry, and the city was not being ruled by an emperor. Thus, Charlemagne's assumption of the imperial title was not seen as a usurpation in the eyes of the Franks or Italians. It was, however, seen as such in Byzantium, but protests by Irene and her successor Nicephorus I had no great effect.
Mojmír I managed to unite some Slavic princes and established Great Moravia in 833. His successor, Rastislav, also fought against the Germans.[12] Both states tried to maintain good relations with Bulgaria on account of its considerable military power.
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Saints Cyril and Methodius Monastery, Veliki Preslav
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Veliki Preslav Archaeological Reserve
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Huge rock and stone structures can be seen here.
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The construction of the monastery "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in Old Preslav is connected with the 1000th anniversary of the Assumption of St. Methodius in 885, the conversion of the Bulgarians in 864, but subsequently also 1000 years from the reign of Simeon the Great. For the implementation of the idea, the Fourth Ordinary National Assembly in 1884 decided to erect a temple-monument. Construction began at the end of 1897, but was completed only in 1918. The works were finally completed in 1926 and the following year 1927, when the 1000th anniversary of the reign of Simeon the Great was completed, the temple was consecrated by Metropolitan Simeon of Varna and Preslav.
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The Veliki Preslav National Historical-Archaeological Reserve and Museum is located on the remains of the old Bulgarian capital Veliki Preslav and occupies about 500 hectares of the area. It was founded on October 26, 1906. The museum exhibits parts and objects from the city found during the excavations. There are numerous immovable monuments in and around the reserve, and the museum's exposition presents works of Middle Byzantine and Old Bulgarian art. Over 35,000 objects are stored here, and about 1,700 of them are on display for visitors. Among them, you can see unique items such as the Preslav golden treasure, the ceramic icon of St. Theodore Stratilatus and the Ceramic Iconostasis from the Palace Monastery.
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This rock monastery is located on the Shumen Plateau, near the village of Khan Krum, on the western slope of the Kalugera Boaz. The monastery is reached by a spiral staircase cut into the rock, which at the end passes into a corridor leading to the premises. For the rock monastery next to the village of Khan Krum, a natural cave was used, which was further adapted and finished for the needs of the monks. The temple is artfully and precisely carved right into the rock. The monastery church is distinguished from other rock churches in the region by having a conch shell. Besides the church there is another large room which was probably used as a bedroom.
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In the V-II centuries BC. the Thracians built the first fortified settlements. In the II-IV century period, it functioned as a dominant fortress guarding important Roman roads. In the 5th–6th centuries, it was a Byzantine stronghold, guarding the approaches to Stara planina. In the late Middle Ages (XII–XIV centuries), the Shumen fortress became one of the most important urban centers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Captured by Ali Pasha in 1388, the fortress also existed in the early period of Ottoman rule. In 1444, during the clash of the crusaders led by Vladislav III Jagielo with the Turkish garrison, it was destroyed and burned. Today, the Shumen fortress is exhibited as an open-air museum.
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A rock staircase with 386 steps climbs the Madar Plateau. It leads to the Madar Fortress. It existed until 1386-1388, when it was conquered by the Ottomans. It is shaped like an irregular triangle with a gate on the north side. Its walls are high and built of hewn stone. Foundations of a church can be seen inside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in the Shumen Region?
The Shumen Region is rich in history. You can visit the Madara Rider Relief, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into a 100-meter-high cliff. Another significant site is the Shumen Fortress, an archaeological site with a history spanning 3200 years, now an open-air museum. Don't miss the Veliki Preslav Archaeological Reserve, which showcases the remains of the old Bulgarian capital, and the Khan Krum Rock Monastery, a unique cave monastery carved into the rock.
What natural attractions are there in the Shumen Region?
The Shumen Region offers diverse natural beauty. The Shumen Plateau Nature Park features dense forests, meadows, and eco-trails. You can explore the Madara Caves, which have been used since ancient times, or seek out the unique rock formations like The Eye of Osmar (Okoto Rock form) and The Stone Forest, known for their mystical atmosphere.
Are there family-friendly activities in the Shumen Region?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Yard of the Cyrillic Alphabet is a cultural site celebrating the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, which can be an engaging educational experience. The Veliki Preslav Archaeological Reserve also offers plenty of space for exploration and learning about ancient history.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the attractions?
The Shumen Region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Madara Fortress Ruins – Madara Rider Relief loop' or the 'Shumen Fortress loop'. If you're into mountain biking, there are trails such as 'View of Shumen – Mermaid Cave loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking in Shumen Region and MTB Trails in Shumen Region guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the Shumen Region?
The Shumen Region is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring historical sites and hiking in the Shumen Plateau Nature Park. These seasons provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the peak heat of summer or the chill of winter.
How long should I plan for a visit to Shumen Fortress?
The Shumen Fortress is an extensive archaeological site. To fully explore the open-air museum, including its restored sections and unearthed artifacts, you should plan for at least 2-3 hours. This allows time to appreciate its 3200-year history and the panoramic views it offers over the city of Shumen.
Is there parking available near the Madara Rider Relief?
Yes, parking is generally available near the Madara Rider Relief. It is a popular tourist destination, and facilities are typically provided for visitors to access the site. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day during peak season to secure a spot.
Are there any significant religious sites in the area?
Beyond the Khan Krum Rock Monastery, the Shumen Region is home to the Tombul Mosque (Sherif Halil Pasha Mosque) in Shumen, which is the largest mosque in Bulgaria and one of the largest in the Balkans. Its unique 18th-century architecture is a notable cultural highlight.
What is the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria?
The Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, also known as the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, is an imposing Cubist-style concrete structure located on a plateau above Shumen. Erected in 1981, it commemorates the 1300th anniversary of the First Bulgarian Empire, featuring towering sculptures and a mosaic illustrating Bulgarian history and culture.
Can I find easy hiking trails in the Shumen Region?
Absolutely. The Shumen Region offers several easy hiking trails, perfect for a relaxed walk. Examples include shorter loops like 'Madara Fortress Ruins – Madara Rider Relief loop' and 'Hiking loop from Shumen'. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in Shumen Region guide.
What is the significance of the Veliki Preslav Archaeological Reserve?
The Veliki Preslav Archaeological Reserve is highly significant as it preserves the remains of Veliki Preslav, which was the second capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. It spans about 500 hectares and houses numerous monuments and over 35,000 artifacts, offering a deep dive into medieval Bulgarian history and art.
Are there any museums worth visiting in Shumen?
Yes, the Regional Historical Museum in Shumen is a prominent cultural institution. It traces its origins back to 1857 and houses over 150,000 items, including a Thracian tomb, collections of Bulgarian and Byzantine seals and coins, and a golden Thracian treasure, covering the region's history from ancient times to the present.
Most popular attractions in Shumen Region
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