question:
What makes Shoumen different from other cities in Bulgaria?

Shumen... or where Bulgaria begins

The town cradle of rich spiritual and material culture - the Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian

The landmarks of the town are the churches “Sveto Vazvisenie”, “Holy trinity”, the Armenian church “Saint Asvizazin” (wholly Mother), Tombul mosque, which is the second largest working Muslim chapel on the Balkan peninsula. The museum houses of the revolutionaries Panayot Volov, Dobri Voinikov, the Hungarian settler Laiosh Koshut, and the great Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov.

Among the architectural monuments are the clock tower, the oldest building in Shoumen – the Bezisten, Kurshun cheshma (public fountain) and many others. The historical museum preserves findings from different epochs; you can also climb up 1300 steps to reach the emblematic monument “1300 years Bulgaria”. The monument is situated on the top of the Shoumen plateau, which offers incredible view.

Art and architectural skills are showing the history of Bulgaria from Asparuh to the Golden century of Tzar Simeon the Great. Architectural part is composed of two concrete forms dynamic groups forming small spaces. Their main volumes skillfully supplemented with 21 sculptures and mosaic-triptych, the largest open-air in Europe, symbolized the idea of creation, development and Prosperity of the country from VII to X century.

Another historical- archaeological reserve “Shoumen fortress” proudly stands on top of the Shoumen plateau. It is one of the best studied archaeological sites in the country. Generally the fortress is an ensemble of buildings, temples and fortifications. From discovered excavations made out during 1957-1987 except 12 churches, 3 towers, and bathroom with Roman ditches, most interesting are the exposed in the Shumen museum inscription of King Shishman, many preserved ceramic objects of different types of pottery and gold vessels, rich collection of gold coins from almost all periods of the existence of the fortress.

Madara village is also nearby situated. It hosts the unique “Madara horseman” relief listed in the UNESCO heritage list. The relief depicts a majestic horseman 23 m (75 ft) above ground level in an almost vertical 100 m (328 ft)-high cliff. The horseman, facing right, is thrusting a spear into a lion lying at his horse's feet. An eagle is flying in front of the horseman and a dog is running after him.

The scene symbolically depicts a military triumph. In the vicinity you can visit the cave of the nymphs - small and large. The rocks are covered with moss and ivy, from them is dripping water which is said that is healing. Beside him is a rock chapel, you can see many icons left by tourists. Just across the Madara Horseman is a couple of roadside inns, where one can eat something, drink coffee or tea. Nearby is the hut Madara Horseman.

The Shoumen plateau offers beautiful fauna. Many holiday homes, placed on the plateau are preferred places for holidays. The plateau is a site, suitable for numerous alternative sports like mountain biking, paraplanner sports, rock climbing and cave exploration. To rock monasteries over Divdyadovo and Trinity you must walk about 1.5 hours. But the view, which opens the cells is incredible.

Nearby is emblematic for Shumen "Kioshkovete Park" and close to the entrance of the park you can see the first beer factory in Shumen, Shumen beer. The unique carst relief of the Shoumen plateau has formed 60 caves. One of them is “the Secret hole”, which is among one of the deepest in whole Europe with 115 meters inclination. The Shoumen plateau attracts with its beautiful, clean environment, a large territory and many attractions. It is worth seeing

Nearby Shoumen are situated the first and second capital of Bulgaria – Pliska and Preslav.

Pliska is the first capital of Bulgaria. According to a Bulgarian chronicle, it was founded by Khan Asparukh. It is called Pliskusa by Georgios Kedrenos and Anna Comnena. It is one of the most impressive monuments of the medieval architecture. There was sewerage and heating systems. The visitors can see partial rebuilding of the fortress walls, surrounding the exterior city.

At each corner there was a trapezium - shaped tower. You can also see the ruins of the Grand Palace, built by Khan Omurtag. This is the best preserved building in the interior city and there was the throne-room as well. The Small Palace was the most representative building in town and it was the private residence of Bulgarian Khans. In the new museum up to historical and architectural reserve you can see a lot household items of the ancient city as well as models, reproductions of buildings.

In the town of Preslav are the remains of the second capital of Bulgaria - Veliki Preslav. Knyaz Boris lays the foundation of the city, and his successor, Simeon the Great makes it a capital in 893-894. The most remarkable building of the Old Preslav is Golden (Round) Church built in 908, the central building has 12 outlets and 12 columns of white marble. Intended area was declared a historical - archaeological reserve. On its territory operates a rich archaeological museum, built in the early twentieth century.

Preslav is a manufacturer of high quality wines and cognacs in whose flavor visitors can enjoy in one of the many cozy pubs in town. Osmar Winery is located in the village of Osmar. Winery offers tasting-organized visit to tourist groups and individual tourists, which includes lecture and tasting of wines produced at the winery and brandy in a special air-conditioned tasting room.

Visitors have the opportunity to purchase products from the assortment list of the cellar by Osmar Vinoprodavnitsa, which is located within the winery. Not far from the town of Veliki Preslav.

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The next article: Rousse - also known as Little Vienna.

 
15апр2011