Episode BG37. NRPI “Shumen Fortress” – Discover the Secrets of the Middle Ages!
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
The Shumen Fortress is among the most impressive archaeological sites in Northeastern Bulgaria. Located on a rocky hill in the area of Hisarlaka, it towers its walls over the modern town of Shumen and reveals layers of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian past. Its territory has been explored in depth and to this day is considered one of the best explored places in the country. Its majestic silhouette and the panorama of the city make it a true window to the Middle Ages.
You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer👆
0:00 – Trailer
0:25 – Beginning
1:08 – Where is it?
1:33 – At the entrance to the Shumen Fortress
2:32 – Vera Antonova
3:25 – Plan of the archaeological research
4:20 – Citadel
6:36 – Roman Street
7:33 – A step-by-step tour of the history of the fortress
9:56 – The Tower
12:43 – To the museum
14:30 – Final Thoughts
💡 Other interesting places nearby:
BG31. Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
BG32. The Madara Horseman – Europe’s Only Cliff Relief
BG33. Medieval Pliska – Bulgaria’s First Capital
BG34. Khan Krum Rock Monastery and the Hesychasm Teaching
BG35. The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery
BG38. Veliki Preslav – Bulgaria’s Second Capital
👉 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
The fortress existed in the 5th century BC, when the Thracians built the first fortifications. During the Roman period it became a military post with a strong wall and towers, but was destroyed by the Goths around 250 and rebuilt later by the Byzantines. The Bulgarians transformed it into a strong citadel, adding triangular towers and creating a mint in the time of Ivan Alexander. Over the centuries, more than 12 churches, water reservoirs and cult centres were built here. Its last battle was in 1444, when it fell to Vladislav Varnenchik’s Crusaders and was then abandoned.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
We are facing one of the best preserved and documented fortresses in Bulgaria, where every stone holds history. We explore the remains of the Roman and Byzantine fortifications, pass through ancient streets, reach the highest point overlooking the monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State” and enter the archaeological museum. There we discover a rich collection of coins, inscriptions, vessels and weapons that trace the path of this fortress from antiquity to its fall at the end of the Middle Ages. Every detail conveys a sense of significance and timelessness.
In this episode we tour a significant part of the Shumen Fortress, from the entrance with ticket and brochure, through Roman streets, cult centers and the citadel to the museum with archaeological exhibits. Attention is paid to points of interest such as the Shererna, the towers, the height signs and informative inscriptions. We tell about all historical periods: Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian. We mention the proximity to Pliska, Preslav and Madara. In the museum we show coins, weapons, inscriptions and ceramics. We finish with a reference to Veliki Preslav as the next stop and closing of the series around the old Bulgarian statehood.
⭐ 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 fortress can be reached directly by car. There is a convenient parking lot at the entrance, as well as signs leading around the prepost. | ★★★★★ |
| History 📜 |
The site unites Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian periods, with real remains of a fortress wall, basilicas, a mint and numerous archaeological artifacts – including the museum on the territory. | ★★★★★ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The fortress has been restored and well maintained. There are stable routes, information signs and secured sections. One of the best preserved archaeological sites in Bulgaria. | ★★★★★ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
At the entrance there is a toilet, an ecotoilet and a small seating area. There is an information board and a ticket office. However, there are no restaurants or shade on the route (it is at the beginning) | ★★★★☆ |
| Price 💰 |
Tickets are priced at BGN 4 for adults and BGN 2 for pupils and students. Includes access to the entire fortress and museum – totally justified value. | ★★★★★ |
★★★★☆
✅ Conclusion
Shumen Fortress is a place that unites knowledge, greatness and spirit. Relatively accessible and well-maintained, it offers visitors the opportunity to touch thousands of years of history and get lost among real remains of empires. Whether you love the archaeology, the quiet of the high hills or the powerful energy of the old cities, you’ll find something for you here. The museum, the views, the signs and the trails make the experience complete. We recommend you take enough time to soak up the atmosphere of a place that deserves your deep respect.
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