Great Basilica, Pliska

The Great Basilica complex encompasses a cathedral, archbishop's palace, and monastery, spanning 99 meters in length and 29.5 meters in width.

Constructed around 875 under Boris I following Bulgaria's conversion to Christianity, the basilica remained the largest church in medieval Europe until the 17th century.

The monastery attached to the basilica became a center for the development of Cyrillic script when disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius arrived in 886.

The archaeological site lies 1.5 kilometers from the ancient capital ruins of Pliska and includes a museum displaying architectural elements and religious artifacts.

The basilica foundations reveal a cruciform mausoleum beneath the altar, suggesting the structure was built over an earlier Christian martyrium.

Location: Pliska

Inception: 9 century

Part of: 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria

GPS coordinates: 43.39861,27.13889

Latest update: May 14, 2025 09:52