Shumen Tourist Information

When you first arrive at Shumen, you might feel that the town has little to offer apart from its beer, Shumensko Pivo. However, if you venture into the city you will find that there are some quite beautiful old buildings, some excellent (and low-priced) shops and even a medieval fortress. Shumen also has a good selection of bars and restaurants, several museums, a park and a riverside walk where you can stroll, relax with a drink or wander in and out of the local shops.

Pliska, Madara and the Stone Forest

The area between Varna and Shumen is dominated by three large plateaus which are perfect for agriculture, forestry and livestock. During the spring and summer, the area is abundant with sunflowers. The production of sunflower oil is a major source of employment in the area. The towns of Novi Pazar (New Market) Kaspichan and Pliska are clustered together in the valley of the Kamenitsa River.

Areas of interest in the Kaspichan Municipality include the Pliska National Historical and Architectural Reserve and the Madara National Historical and Architectural Reserve. Pliska was the first capital city of Danubian Bulgaria. The site is now a National Archeological Reserve and there is an archeological museum. The ancient city comprised three fortresses, built in concentric circles and huge stone walls that reached up to 12 metres in height. Pliska was, in fact, two cities. The large outer city was bounded by a moat and covered 23 sq km. It held the Great Basilica, which was constructed in the late 9th Century. The Basilica was one of the largest Christian churches of the time, and comprised three naves. The inner city included the Great and Small Palaces. In the Great Palace was the throne-room of the Khan, where he and his council entertained visitors. The Khan resided in the Small Palace, which is even more elaborate and attractive than the Grand Palace.

Just outside the village of Madara is the UNESCO Heritage site of the Madara Horseman. This is an 8th Century rock carving which was made in the hillside above the village. The carving is featured on the reverse side of some of the Bulgarian coins. At the bottom of the rock face there is a large cave. This is known as the Nymphs' Cave, where the Thracians worshipped in ancient times. The cave was considered a sacred and magical place. An underground stream that issues from the cave's vaulted arch was believed to have healing powers. It was claimed that these "tears" from the cave would enable the blind to see. Even today, people believe that the water has health-giving properties which have a beneficial effect on the eyes.

Further along towards Varna lies the Stone Forest (or Pobitite Kamani). This intriguing, natural phenomenon looks like part of a petrified forest. The name Pobitite Kamani actually means "Stones beaten into the ground". The collection of limestone columns reach as high as 10 metres. Many of them are hollow. The area has been a sacred place for many years and it was declared a national landmark in 1938.

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