Veliki Preslav, Medieval capital city in Shumen Province, Bulgaria
Veliki Preslav is an ancient city with archaeological remains at the foot of the eastern Balkan range, where ruins of fortresses, churches, and residential buildings from the medieval period are visible. The site displays layers from different construction periods that reveal how this once major settlement developed over time.
The city served as capital of the First Bulgarian Empire from 893 to 972, functioning as a major political and administrative hub for the region. After this period, it gradually lost importance and was eventually abandoned.
The Preslav Literary School of the 10th century developed here and shaped the Cyrillic script and Bulgarian writing traditions. This place served as a major center for intellectual and artistic activity in the medieval world.
The archaeological reserve can be explored on foot, with paths leading between ruins and structures that span different time periods. An onsite museum displays artifacts and ceramics discovered in the area.
The ruins of the Golden Church display marble and gold mosaics, revealing the craftsmanship of medieval Bulgarian builders. This ornate decoration shows how wealthy and important the city was during its peak.
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