Veliki Preslav: Discover History and Nature
Accommodation in Veliki Preslav
On the Golyama Kamchia River, Veliki Preslav combines a defining Bulgarian past with protected natural areas. The National Historical and Archaeological Reserve preserves remains of churches, monasteries, workshops, studios and palaces. South of the city, the Patleyna protected area complements the historical themes with a distinctive landscape. This lets you choose different priorities for your trip: the history of the place, its churches and museum exhibits, or the nature around Patleyna.
History and Architecture in Veliki Preslav
The remains of the Great Palace have been preserved in the palace complex. The throne room was a three-aisled hall with three sections. Together with the other remains in the reserve, this offers insight into religious, craft and royal buildings. If you are interested in history, you can explore these themes individually rather than limiting your visit to a single building.
The Round Church is considered an expression of the highest achievements of Old Bulgarian monumental art. Its decoration includes marble carvings, painted ceramics and glass mosaics. The Golden Church was built during the reign of Tsar Simeon I (893–927). These details make the religious buildings a notable subject for travellers interested in Bulgarian art and history.
The Veliki Preslav Archaeological Museum also offers different points of interest: it displays a monumental ceramic icon of Saint Theodore and has a collection of lead seals. Preslav was a spiritual and literary centre and is associated with the development of the Slavic script and Bulgaria’s Golden Age. Veliki Preslav is also one of Bulgaria’s 100 national tourist sites.
Other churches include St. Peter and Paul, dating from the 18th century, and St. Archangel Michael, located in the centre of Veliki Preslav. St. Cyril and Methodius is situated in a centuries-old pine forest in the Archaeological Reserve. The cultural themes therefore range from Preslav’s historical role to churches from different periods and settings.
Patleyna and Dervisha: Protected Natural Areas
The Patleyna protected area lies within the territory of Veliki Preslav, four kilometres south of the city. It protects Bulgaria’s largest natural stand of wild carob. A visitor trail runs through the area. When planning your day, you can make nature and culture separate interests and consider Patleyna as a destination for an outdoor visit.
History is also present there: in the Patleyna area or its immediate vicinity are the remains of a craft workshop with kilns dating from the First Bulgarian Empire, from the late 9th to the early 10th century. The medieval Monastery of St. Panteleimon, dating from the 10th century, is also located there. The natural area and historical traces thus offer two distinct themes for exploring the surroundings.
Nearby is Dervisha, three kilometres from Veliki Preslav on the northern slope of the Preslav Mountains. The protected area is classified as a “maintained reserve” and protects Bulgaria’s only natural stand of horse chestnut trees. If you would also like to consider the region’s plant life when planning your trip, this offers another connection with nature alongside Patleyna.
Planning Your Trip
The location of the destinations may influence your choice of holiday apartment: St. Archangel Michael is in the city centre, while Patleyna is four kilometres south of Veliki Preslav. Consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on the city’s cultural attractions or also include the protected areas. The National Historical and Archaeological Reserve has information boards and a tourist information centre to help you find your way around. The municipality also includes Kochovo.
For the wider travel overview: Shumen Province.
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