Shoumen

Shoumen

Shoumen’s past is connected with the establishment (681) and development of the Bulgarian state. Among its leading centres of cultural and religious activity Shumen has had a busy life.

The Shoumen fortress, built from early Antiquity to late Middle Ages, has lasted for more than 3,200 years. Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Bulgarians raised their strongholds there. It has always been among the largest and strongest fortresses in Bulgaria. The Creators of the Bulgarian State Memorial in honor of the 1,300 anniversary of the foundation of Bulgaria.

The Tombul Mosque (1744) is the largest and most beatiful in Bulgaria and second largest on the Balkans.

The Regional Museum of History (1857) with over 15,000 exhibits features Prehistory, Antiquity, Middle Ages, Revival Christian culture, Treasure hall.

The Clock Tower (1740) shaped as a stone prism, with a hand-made clock mechanism. The interesting ‘Kourshoun Cheshma’ Public Fountain (1744) is located in the liveliest in the past administrative and commercial part of the town. The fountain was originally covered with lead tiles where its name comes from.

The Holy Ascension Basilica (1829), the mural paintings date from 933. Preserved valuable books, gold fabric shroud with pearls from 1776, as well as the icon ‘Sts Cyril and Methodius’. The Holy Three Saints Cathedral (1857).

The Museum of Pancho Vladigerov commemorates Bulgaria’s most renowned composer and pianist. It’s housed in Vladigerov’s house which was built in the National Revival style.