Episode BG38. Veliki Preslav – Bulgaria’s Second Capital
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
Veliki Preslav is one of the most magnificent Old Bulgarian capitals located at the foot of the Shumen plateau. Founded in the 9th century, this town was not only the administrative but also the spiritual and cultural centre of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The ruins of palaces, basilicas and fortress walls testify to its former glory. The Preslav school of literature was born here, and stone, mosaic and gold intertwined in an architectural language worthy of an empire. Today the site combines history, mystery and tranquillity, and the panoramic view of its ruins is like a journey back in time.
You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer👆
0:00 – Intro
0:51 – Where is it located?
1:15 – Beginning
2:13 – View of the plan of the Inner City
2:36 – Ruler’s Basilica
3:59 – Sarcophagus of Boris-Michael the Conqueror
4:36 – Royal Palace
5:30 – Throne Chamber
5:42 – Residential Palace
7:38 – Patriarchal Residence and Palace Church
9:45 – Personal Residence of the Rulers
10:44 – At the South Gate
13:03 – The Round (Golden) Church
14:47 – To the Museum
14:24 – Omurtagh Bridge
16:52 – Final Thoughts
17:58 – BG31. Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
18:19 – BG32. The Madara Horseman – Europe’s Only Cliff Relief
18:40 – BG33. Medieval Pliska – Bulgaria’s First Capital
18:52 – BG34. Khan Krum Rock Monastery and the Hesychasm Teaching
19:14 – BG35. The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery
19:32 – BG36. The Legend of the Great and Small Veil near Nevsha
19:54 – BG37. NRPI “Shumen Fortress” – Discover the Secrets of the Middle Ages!
💡 Other interesting places nearby:
BG31. Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
BG34. Khan Krum Rock Monastery and the Hesychasm Teaching
BG35. The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery
BG37. NRPI “Shumen Fortress” – Discover the Secrets of the Middle Ages!
👉 References to other episodes:
None
📌 What will we look at in this article?
📝 Episode Summary
🔥 The most interesting moments
⭐ Location assessment
✅ Final conclusion
📝 Brief summary of the episode
Among the most notable elements in Veliki Preslav stand out the Round Church, also known as the Golden Church, the fortress wall with monumental gates and the traces of the royal palace. Built on a Byzantine model, the town impresses with its grand plan and the wealth of artistic elements that can still be found today. The inscriptions, the tiles with Cyrillic and Glagolitic characters and the finds of ceramic icons show that culture was a state mission here.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
We discover one of the most impressive archaeological areas in Bulgaria – the old capital of Veliki Preslav. Our narrative passes through the fortress walls, the southern gate and the inner town, where the outlines of streets, residential buildings and public buildings are still visible. At the centre of it all stands the Round Church, an architectural masterpiece of symbolic significance, situated on a hill that was once part of the palace area. We show views that reveal the scale of the city and the way it is laid out. Among the ruins, you can feel the rhythm of the past – not only as history, but as a cultural and spiritual atmosphere preserved in stone.
In this episode we visit the archaeological reserve “Veliki Preslav” – a place that has gathered the spirit of a bygone era that continues to inspire. We explore the southern fortress gate and the preserved foundations of buildings, pass through the inner town and head to the Round Church, a site of distinctive architecture that once served as a symbolic and spiritual center. In the video, we share thoughts about the scale of the city, the feeling of moving through streets where our ancestors trod, and the need to preserve these places with care. The atmosphere is peaceful, the landscape harmonious, and the feeling is like traveling back in time. We summarize the experience with an assessment of accessibility, condition, amenities and historical value, emphasizing that Preslav is not just seen – it is experienced.
⭐ Location assessment
The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1/5 – Very bad, 2/5 – Bad, 3/5 – Average, 4/5 – Good, 5/5 – Excellent)
| Criterion | Personal impression | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility 🚗 |
The entrance to the archaeological reserve is directly accessible by car, there is a parking lot and an information center. It is also suitable for children and adults. | ★★★★★ |
| History 📜 |
The walk through Veliki Preslav leads to one of the most important hearths of Bulgarian literature – the place where the Preslav school of literature was born, which became the pillar of our language, faith and cultural identity. | ★★★★★ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The ruins are well marked, the terrain is well maintained and the restored parts give a clear idea of the structure of the city. | ★★★★☆ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
There are eco-toilets, a museum at the entrance, seating, and an eatery near the site. | ★★★★☆ |
| Price 💰 |
Ticket for adults is BGN 6, for pupils and students – BGN 2. A combined ticket with the museum is available, making the experience affordable and complete. | ★★★★★ |
★★★★☆
✅ Conclusion
Veliki Preslav is a place that inspires. Not only with its size, but also with what it symbolizes – cultural upsurge, literacy and golden age. Although today only stone outlines remain, the imagination easily turns them into living pictures. The sense here is of strength and a search for identity – not so much in battles as in speech and knowledge. Facilities are good, access is easy and the ticket price is symbolic. But the real value is in the feeling that you are stepping where the capital of a dream used to be. A Bulgarian dream.
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