Shumen & Fortress

Шумен

A historic city overlooked by a restored ancient and medieval fortress and the striking monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State. It offers deep insight into Bulgaria's early history alongside a large mosque and lively centre.

Things to do

• Monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State — Climb the 1300-step approach to this massive concrete monument commemorating the first Bulgarian kingdom, with sweeping views over the city.
• Shumen Fortress — Explore the restored walls, towers and museum of this ancient and medieval stronghold perched on the plateau above town.
• Tombul Mosque — Visit Bulgaria's largest mosque, an elegant 1744 Ottoman complex with a courtyard fountain, library and richly decorated prayer hall.
• Regional Historical Museum — Discover exhibits spanning prehistory, the Thracians and the medieval capitals of Pliska and Preslav nearby.
• Day trip to Madara Rider — Drive to the UNESCO-listed rock relief carved into a cliff about 20 km east, a unique early medieval monument.
• Pliska and Great Basilica — Visit the ruins of Bulgaria's first capital, with reconstructed gates and one of the largest early Christian basilicas in Europe.
• Kyoshkovete Park — Stroll the forested park below the fortress with springs, shaded paths and picnic spots popular with locals.
• Central pedestrian street — Wander Slavyanski Boulevard and the lively centre lined with cafes, shops and the Bilyana clock tower.

Food to try

• Shumensko beer — Sample the famous local lager brewed in Shumen since 1882, one of Bulgaria's best-known beer brands.
• Kavarma — Try this slow-cooked clay-pot stew of meat, onions and peppers, a staple of regional taverns.
• Banitsa — Enjoy this flaky filo pastry filled with white brine cheese and eggs, best fresh from a morning bakery.
• Shopska salad — Order the classic tomato, cucumber and pepper salad topped with grated white cheese, ideal with a cold beer.
• Turkish-influenced sweets — Look for baklava and other syrupy pastries reflecting the area's strong Ottoman heritage around Tombul Mosque.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly at Tombul Mosque — Cover shoulders and legs and remove shoes before entering; women may be asked to cover their hair.
• Wear good shoes for the monument — Reaching the Founders Monument on foot involves a long stair climb, so allow time and bring water in summer.
• Shumen is a beer town with pride — Locals are fond of Shumensko, and ordering it fits right in with the city's brewing identity.
• Combine early-history sights — Shumen sits at the heart of medieval Bulgaria, so pair the fortress with Pliska, Preslav and Madara for context.

Nearby

• Madara Rider — 15 km
• Veliki Preslav — 16 km
• Pliska — 18 km
• Varna — 80 km