Madara National Historical-Archaeological Reserve encompasses a rich history, a wide range of archaeological artifacts, beautiful nature and the unique rock relief Madara Horseman. Here life began in the rocks, in the proximity of a deep spring, back in the Neolithic Age. A Thracian sanctuary of the three nymphs, pagan temples, ruins of Christian churches dating back to the 9th c., a rock monastery comprising of more than 150 monastic cells and churches from the 14th c., all provide evidence that Madara was a cult center during the whole of its existence.
As the only one of its kind medieval rock relief in Europe dating from the 8th c., the Madara Horseman was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as a property having an outstanding value. It’s a global symbol of Bulgaria since 2008.
9750 Madara, Shumen District
Tel: + 359 (0) 5313 2095; Mobile: +359 (0) 893 342 225
8.30 – 20.00 (April – October)
8.30 – 17.00 (November – March)
www.museum-shumen.eu
Memorial complex to the Founders of Bulgaria, constructed to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the foundation of the Bulgaria, was opened in 1981. It is located near the town of Shumen, within the territory of Shumen Plateau Nature Park and its silhouette can be seen within a 30 km radius. Its architecture construction consists of two groups of dynamic concrete structures built at different angles, facing north and south, with fixed sculpture figures of Bulgarian rulers from 7th-10th c. The largest outdoor mosaic-triptych on the Balkan Peninsula, by means of interrelated figures and letters, represents the idea of establishment, development and rise of the Bulgarian State. Medieval crosses along with stone pillar cleverly complete the gallery.
Next to the monument is on display an ancient Bulgarian yurt replica where tourists can experience the everyday life of the early Bulgars, dress up in costumes with armoury, take pictures and shoot a bow.
In the nearby information center is on display an exposition titled “Monumental art in the last decades of the 20thc.” where historical documentaries are screened. The main hall is a place for wedding ceremonies. In 1997 the complex received the awards of Shumen and “TOUREXPO” for its contribution to the development of tourism in the region.
Еnter dno guide fee
Guided tours are available in five languages.
9700 Shumen
Tel: +359 (54) 872 107, 872 598;
Shumen Fortress Historical-Archaeological Reserve, also known as the Old City, rises about 3 km west of present day Shumen. After its existence as a Thracian fortified city (5th–2ndc.BC), a dominating fortress which guarded main Roman roads (2nd–4th c.), a Byzantine fort with control of the approach to the Balkan Mountains (5th–6thc.), and a strategic fortification in the early Middle Ages (8th–10thc.), in late Middle Ages (12th–14th c.) Shumen fortress turns into one of the most important cities in the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Although conquered by Ali Pasha in 1388, the fortress remained in use in the early days of the Ottoman rule. In 1444, when the crusaders led by Vladislav III Jagelo fought against Ottoman army, it was demolished and burned by fire. Today it operates as an open-air museum.
Tel.: +359 (54) 800 381; Mobile: +359 (0)893 342 208
9.00 – 19.00 (April – October)
9.00 – 17.00 (November – March)
www.museum-shumen.eu
After reopening and resuming its activity, in the autumn of 1894, “Kabiyuk” stud farm consisted of horse studs from English Thoroughbred, Arabian breed, Orlov trotter, Bulgarian heavy draft (Ardennes) and other halfbred crossed horses, imported from Russia, Poland, Austro-Hungary, and Turkey.
During that period were developed breeds which still continue to be bred in Kabiyuk stud farm. These are East Bulgarian and Shagya Arabian breed. Later, in 1954 was developed English Thoroughbred, and in 1977 the Arabian Thoroughbred.
Currently in Kabiyuk horse stud farm are being bred about 300 horses. Every year about 80 horses are born and more than 70 horses with a different level of train are being sold in Bulgaria and abroad, mainly in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Macedonia and many other European counties. All horses that are being bred now belong to the above mentioned breeds. Precisely these are:
Small studs of Shetland ponies and Haflinger breed horses are currently also being bred.
For more information go to: +359 (54) 801 050; 0899 982 673
www.kabiuk.net
Community center Dobri Voinikov was founded in the spring of 1856 by Sava Dobroplodni, and boasts a rich history. Along with other community centres in Svishtov and Lom it lays the basis of community activity in Bulgaria. A performance of the adapted comedy “Mihail Mishkoed” on August 15th 1856 lays the foundations of Bulgarian theater, as well as to the Art gallery, the artists’ and the writers’ society via the Mayakovski literary club. The first musical theater performed in 1914 laid the foundations of Bulgarian musical theater. The first Bulgarian library for children also opened doors.
The building was designed by the French architect Mercier and built in 1898.
Bezisten is a cultural monument belonging to the period of the late Middle Ages.
Traders from Dubrovnik constructed the building in 1529 for their own needs. Once it was located in the very centre of Shumen, in the proximity of the resting place and Tombul mosque. Its name comes from Persian and means “covered market”. It was built with stone blocks. Plant, geometric and hand-written signs can be seen on its surface. In different time periods the building used to function as a covered market, weapons storage and restaurant.
Among all clock towers from 17th c., the Tower of the Old Clock in Shumen is one of the oldest in Bulgaria. The verse written inscription carved in 1740 on its surface is one of the most impressive clock tower signs, enchanting with its witty and poetic narrative. The tower has a simplified clock mechanism which has worked non-stop for more than 270 years. The sound of a ringing bell used to count round the clock the working hours and they were observed strictly by all shopkeepers.
There’s a built-in fountain within its foundations – an eternal symbol of life meaning “water is the liveliest thing ever”. On the opposite coast of the Poroina river simultaneously was constructed Tombul Mosque. Because of the presence of the clock it was temporarily called “Sahat camisi”.
It was built in 1744 by limestone ashlar stone, and has a richly ornated facade. Initially it was covered with lead tiles where its original name came from. The Arabic for lead is “kurshun”.
147 Syedinenie Str.
The house was built before 1870 and was included as part of its owner’s testament together with a vineyard and a garden for the maintenance of the first school for girls in Bulgaria. It has existed there for 20 years until 1890. The people of Shumen named the school after the donor Andrey Rankov. Nowadays it is The Home of the Teacher.
68, Simeon Veliki Blvd
The cell school (a school with tiny, cell-like rooms) is among the first Bulgarian revival schools completely preserved in Bulgaria. It is located in the church’s yard, built the same year with the church in 1846.
Kiliyno uchilishte Street
Tel. +359/ 899 803 882
Built in 19thc the house was owned by the wealthy local merchant Hadji Verbi. In 1876 his eldest son Evtim Verber graduated medicine from Athens University and worked as a military doctor. His other sons Peter and Dimitar were also famous doctors and had significant contribution to healthcare science.
154 Tzar Osvoboditel Str.
The only of its kind completely preserved, three storey house from the middle of the 19th c.
14 Stara Planina Str.
That is one of the two houses owned by the brothers Kutsarov. The house is symmetrical on two floors with a bow – window, built at street level around 1872. The ground floor has massive walls of stone. There were three shops with same dimensions therein. They had different functions and their doors and windows were equipped with iron shutters. A school for girls was based in the one of them. A Hungarian chemist named Georgi Silagi opened here a pharmacy furnished and arranged according to the European model. In the beginning of 20th c., here was also the fashion shop of Bula Brenberg. It is the Home of the Union of the Bulgarian Architects since the 1980s.
145, Tsar Osvoboditel Street
140 Tzar Osvoboditel Str.
Built in the first quarter of 19th c.
152 Tzar Osvoboditel Str.
A very interesting and different place for your visit would be the Sherif Khalil Pasha Mosque (Tombul Mosque). It is the third largest Muslim house of prayer on the Balkan Peninsula. It was built in 1744 by order of Sherif Khalil Pasha. The Mosque is known by the name “Tombul” because of the dome’s tumbled shape. The architecture of the temple is influenced by the oriental architectural style “Tulip”, which emerged in the early 18th century and is also characterized by elements of the French Baroque. The interior is lavishly decorated with sculpture, baroque details and stained glass windows. The craftsman has achieved great acoustics by incorporating clay pots. Against entrance fee, you can visit the mosque and walk around this unique cultural and historical monument, as well as explore its yard.
The complex was declared a cultural monument bearing national significance.
The mosque is one of the country’s 100 national tourist sites.
For more details:
Location: city of Shumen, 21 G. Rakovski Street
Tel: +359 (54) 802 875
09:00 – 18:00
Useful links
Shoumen Municipality Ministry of Tourism Consumer Protection Commission Regional Historical Museum - Shoumen Vasil Droumev Drama and Puppet Theatre Sinfonietta Shoumen Elena Karamihaylova Art Gallery Anastas Stoyanov Personal Development Support Centre – Municipal Children Complex Stylian Chilingirov Regional Library Arena Shoumen HallTourist Information Center - Shumen Telephone: +359 54 857 773
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