What Shumen is known for

Shumen is a town in northeastern Bulgaria, nestled in a valley at the eastern base of the Shumen limestone plateau. The city serves as a transportation hub with an industrial sector encompassing tobacco processing, canning, brewing, furniture production, and enamelware manufacturing. Due to its considerable history, the city has several sights to offer.[10] One such example is the Shumen Fortress, a historic landmark steeped in antiquity, possibly dating back 3,200 years. Initially constructed by Thracians and later augmented by Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians, it played a role during the First and Second Bulgarian Empires. Although it survived early Ottoman rule, it was destroyed in 1444, leading to its abandonment. Today, the fortress has been revitalized as a local tourist attraction, showcasing its archaeological remains and offering visitors a chance to explore its history and panoramic views from the reconstructed tower.[8]

However, the province's capital city isn't the only area offering historical attractions. For instance, Pliska is the historical name of the first Bulgarian capital, situated about 29 kilometers from Shumen. Today, the Pliska National, Historical, and Architectural Reserve is a cultural and historical site declared as such in 1970. The archaeological site covers 23 square kilometers and includes the Great and Small Palaces, fortifications, and the Great Basilica, offering insights into medieval Bulgarian history and culture.[9] Another historical spot is Veliki Preslav, situated on the Golyama Kamchia River, which is an ancient town-fortress with a history dating back over 1,100 years. Established during Knyaz Boris I's reign, it became Bulgaria's capital after the Preslav Council of 893. The town played a role in developing the Slavic written language and the Golden Age of Bulgaria under Tsar Simeon I. Today, the area features an archaeological heritage, including the remains of the Big Palace, Western Palace, Golden Church, and ruler's temple. The town serves as a historical and cultural attraction, part of the Veliki Preslav National Historical-Architectural Reserve. Numerous artifacts and exhibits are displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Veliki Preslav, offering insights into the town's history and daily life.[11] Another touristic destination is Madara Rider, a remarkable rock relief in northeast Bulgaria near the village of Madara. It depicts a knight triumphing over a lion and is carved into a 100-meter-high cliff. This sculpture holds historical and cultural significance as it was a sacred site during the First Bulgarian Empire before the country's conversion to Christianity. The accompanying inscriptions detail events from AD 705 to 801, providing considerable historical information. According to UNESCO, this relief—created in the early 8th century—is a testament to Bulgaria's early history and artistic expression, with no equivalent in Europe.[12]

Nature enthusiasts can venture to Shumen Plateau Nature Park, which spans 3,929.9 hectares and was established in 1980 to preserve its flora and fauna species as well as its varying landscapes. This park features a temperate continental climate, with 90% of its territory covered in forests, including mixed deciduous and coniferous varieties. The park's historical significance is evident through cave monasteries, the Shumen Fortress, and the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and extreme sports, with marked routes leading to rock formations, ancient forests, and historical landmarks. An information center, Forest School, and guide services are part of the park as well.[5]

Geography

In terms of geography, the Shumen region encompasses areas of the Eastern Danube Plain, the Lower Balkan, and Balkan mountain ranges, resulting in a predominantly hilly to mountainous terrain. The Golyama Kamchiya River holds significant importance in the region, particularly in its upper reaches, where the Ticha Dam has been built, serving as a water supply source for the area. Additionally, in the vicinity of the city of Vurbitsa and the village of Marash are several mineral springs. The region has a population of 201,890 people, accounting for 2.6% of the national total. The population density stands at 59.6 inhabitants per square kilometer, slightly below the national average of 70.7.[6] 

Shumen Plateau Nature Park, near the town of Shumen, was designated a nature park in 1980 to protect its flora, fauna, tableland landscape, and tourist attractions. The park showcases dense vegetation, as its surface is 90% covered by forests, including mixed deciduous forests featuring European hornbeam, beech, Turkey oak, maple, ash, and lime, among others. Coniferous trees such as European black pine and Scots pine can also be found there. The area is home to 14 orchid species and over 250 medicinal plants, with 64 plant species protected by law. Wildlife is supported by the park as well, including mammals such as red deer, roe deer, wild boar, and foxes, along with various bird species and reptiles, including tortoises and snakes.[5]

The climate in Shumen is moderately continental.[6] Presumably, the most favorable weather conditions in Shumen can be enjoyed during the months of May and September, characterized by average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. Summer, the hottest season, spans from June through September, with August being the warmest month, boasting an average maximum temperature of 30°C. On the other hand, January experiences the coldest temperatures, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C. When it comes to rainfall, June ranks as the wettest month, accumulating 74 millimeters of precipitation, while August stands as the driest month, with 42 millimeters of rainfall.[7]

History

The historical records of Shumen can be traced back to the Chalcolithic period, with the discovery of the settlement mound Kodzadermen, which dates to 4500-4000 BC and has a diameter of 60 meters and a height of 5 meters. Evidence of Shumen's fortress dates to the early Iron Age, with the first fortifications from the 12th century BC encompassing accessible areas of the region. In the 2nd century AD, the Romans built a military fortress on the foundations of the earlier Thracian fortifications, introducing mortar in their construction. Subsequent renovations occurred between the 8th and 10th centuries, utilizing the existing Roman walls and towers while adding new fortifications to the northeast.[1]

Alongside the surrounding region, Shumen fell under Ottoman Turkish rule in 1388. In 1444, the fortress faced a siege and capture during the Varna Crusade, which aimed to free the Balkans from Ottoman dominance, involving a coalition of Polish, Hungarian, and Burgundian troops. Following this event, the crusaders pressed eastward toward Varna, where they engaged in a battle and suffered a defeat. However, by the 16th century, Shumen had already assumed its present location at the base of the plateau.[2]

During the Renaissance period, Shumen emerged as a hub for crafts and trade, fostering a cultural scene. On May 22, 1813, the city hosted the first civil celebration of Saints Cyril and Methodius, along with its inaugural theatrical production. Shumen also saw the establishment of the city's first girls' school, symphony orchestra, and class for girls. Following its liberation, Shumen evolved into an administrative and economic center while preserving its role as a cultural and educational hub steeped in Renaissance traditions. Today, Shumen serves as an educational and cultural center, home to institutions of higher learning, theaters, libraries, museums, and more.[3]