Fortress Schumen (Шуменска крепост)

The origins of the fortress date back to the Thracians, followed later by the Romans and Byzantines. During the First Bulgarian Empire, the site received less attention due to the heavily fortified nearby capitals of Pliska and Preslav. The fortress experienced its heyday during the Second Bulgarian Empire, when the former capitals had lost their importance. Its natural position on the plateau offered strategic protection, especially during the Mongol invasion. In the 14th century, under rulers Ivan Alexander and Ivan Shishman, the fortress was surrounded by three defensive belts. The densely populated inner city housed six churches and the governor’s palace. In 1388, the fortress fell to the Ottomans, who used it until its destruction by crusaders under Władysław of Varna in 1444.

The Shumen Fortress is situated on the Shumen Plateau in Bulgaria, approximately 3 km west of the modern city of Shumen, at an elevation of about 453 m above sea level. It is located in the Shumen district, in the Shumen region.

Today, the remains of the Shumen Fortress are accessible to visitors and can be explored. Archaeological excavations between 1957 and 1987 have provided extensive insights into the Roman, Byzantine, and Bulgarian fortress walls, as well as an early Byzantine bath, reservoirs, churches, and a monastic complex. The fortress is one of the most thoroughly researched historical structures in the country.

• Preslav Fortress (Fortress), approx. 14.6 km away
• Ancient site of Madara (Ancient Buildings), approx. 18.4 km away
• Ancient city of Pliska (Ancient Buildings), approx. 23.7 km away
• Basilica of Pliska (Sacred Building), approx. 25.0 km away