Shumen fortress

Overview

Shumen Fortress is one of the most famous landmarks of Bulgaria. The remains of the fortress are located 3 km from the city center of Shumen.

The fortress was built on a plateau. It was probably built by the Thracians, then enlarged and rebuilt by Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians. It is believed that the first of its fortifications was built 3200 years ago, which ranges it among the oldest in Bulgaria. Captured and destroyed several times, the Shumen fortress survived until 1444.

During the First Bulgarian Kingdom (681 AD - 1018 AD) the fortification played an important role due to its proximity to the old Bulgarian capitals Pliska and Preslav. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1396) the town of Shumen became an important economic and cultural center for the country.

The fortress existed during the first years of Ottoman rule, and archaeological research shows that it was not destroyed during the conquest by the Ottomans. In 1444, however, the crusaders of Vladislav III Jagiello (ruled in the period 1434 - 1444) destroyed and burned it and since then the Shumen fortress has been deserted and abandoned.
The remains of the fortress are probably one of the best studied ancient remains in Bulgaria. The research has revealed important information about the life and military work of the Bulgarians during the Middle Ages. Remains of 12 churches, an early Byzantine bath, pottery, vessels, ornaments, and coins have been found.