Round Church, Preslav, Medieval Orthodox church ruin in Veliki Preslav, Bulgaria
The Round Church is a ruin with a circular main chamber and rectangular entry space, surrounded by a columned courtyard and remnants of decorative tiles. The layout follows Byzantine design patterns and shows traces of elaborate decoration in its remaining sections.
The church was built in 907 under Prince Simeon and served as the center of religious life in the Bulgarian capital. It stood during the height of the Bulgarian realm before being destroyed and left as ruins.
The walls bear scratches and names left by visitors and pilgrims across centuries. These marks connect people across time at a place that held deep spiritual meaning for its community.
The site lies within the Veliki Preslav archaeological zone and is part of an organized museum area. Visitors can reach it and view the structure, but should expect uneven ground and minimal facilities at the ruins.
The circular design was unusual for church architecture of that era and shows Byzantine influence in a Bulgarian context. This blend made the building stand out and set it apart from other religious structures of its time.
Location: Veliki Preslav
Inception: 10 century
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture
GPS coordinates: 43.14230,26.81295
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Circular architecture has fascinated builders since ancient times. This collection brings together Roman amphitheatres like the Colosseum, medieval towers such as the Round Tower in Copenhagen, baroque domed structures and modern constructions. The circular form offers practical advantages for acoustic properties, structural stability and optimal space usage. The selected buildings serve various functions: religious temples, fortifications, observatories, museums and event venues. Each example demonstrates how architects have adapted the circular form to local conditions and cultural requirements. From ancient stone structures to contemporary skyscrapers, this selection documents technical evolution across centuries.
Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria
16.1 km
Tombul Mosque
16.2 km
Shumen Fortress
14.9 km
Shumen Plateau Nature Park
14.8 km
Preslav Treasure
2.7 km
Patleyna Monastery (20th century)
1.9 km
Palace of Omurtag
8.4 km
Preslav Fortress
366 m
Khan Krum Rock-hewn Monastery
11.3 km
Patleyna monastery (9th century)
2 km
Dervisha
4.9 km
Shumen History museum
17 km
Narodno chiltalishte Dobri Vojnikov 1856
17 km
Златарски манастир
15 km
Borovo Oko Park
21.9 km
Безистен
16.4 km
Dramatichno-kuklen teatr "Vasil Drumev"
17 km
Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs
17.3 km
Къща музей „Панайот Волов“
17.5 km
Holy Mother of God church
16.3 km
Clock Tower of Shumen
16.2 km
Lajos Kossuth House Museum
17 km
Thracian tomb of Ivanski
20.4 km
Свети Архангел Михаил (Велики Преслав)
2.1 km
Smyadovo Art Gallery
18.4 km
Sv. Dimitar Solunski, Varbitsa
20.2 km
Св. св. Константин и Елена (Осмар)
9.3 km
Jewish Cemetery in Shumen
18 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes