Bulgaria Inside

According to evidence, Veliki Preslav existed initially as a Thracian settlement but its name is unknown. In the dawn of the Bulgarian state, mainly Slavic tribes lived in the region. This probably gave Veliki Preslav its name.

In the middle of the 9th century, the town was fortified and turned into a military and strategic center.

After Bulgarians accepted Christianity, Preslav saw the construction of many churches. The city gained even more importance when it became Bulgarian capital in 893. To cut away the pagan past, tsar Simeon decided to move the capital from Pliska to Preslav.

Preslav’s museum protects a rich collection of artifacts, among which the Preslav gold treasure, a ceramic icon and the biggest lead seals collection in the world. Remains of several buildings like the Preslav palace, churches, a monastery and a basilica can be seen there.

Visitors are welcome each day in the summer, from 8 am to 7 pm and in the winter – from 8 am to 5 pm. During weekends, the complex is open from 8 am to pm.

To learn more about Veliki Preslav, click here.