Archaeological museum "Veliki Preslav"
Nestled within the medieval capital of Veliki Preslav, the Veliki Preslav Archaeological Museum showcases the most significant monuments from Preslav’s rich history. Established in 1906, the museum’s collection has grown over the years, and in 1981, a dedicated museum building was constructed. Visitors can marvel at the achievements of Preslav culture through exhibits of painted ceramics, a vast collection of epigraphic monuments highlighting literary traditions, and a unique array of lead seals. Don’t miss the stunning Preslav gold treasure, securely housed in the museum’s treasury.
Discover the Rich History at the Museum in Veliki Preslav! Welcome to the museum, the proud successor of the Archaeological Society “Ticha,” founded by Yordan Gospodinov in 1906. Nestled within the historic archaeological reserve, the museum has been a beacon of Bulgarian medieval archaeology since acquiring its first building in 1949. In 1981, we expanded into a dedicated new building, also within the reserve, to better serve visitors and preserve extensive collection. The museum showcases the historical development of the First Bulgarian Kingdom through engaging exhibitions, ongoing archaeological research, and various scientific activities. Recognized as a leading center for Bulgarian medieval archaeology, the museum is not just a repository of artifacts but a vibrant cultural hub in Veliki Preslav. Come explore the rich heritage and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Bulgaria.
Čo tu môžete navštíviť?
It was filmed about the Museum
Informácie z histórie
History of Preslav
Uncover the Ancient Origins of Preslav! Thanks to over a century of archaeological excavations in Preslav, we now know that this historic city dates back to the early 9th century, long before it was declared a capital. Evidence suggests that Preslav was established during the reign of Khan Krum or Khan Omurtag.
History of Preslav
Thanks to the archaeological excavations that have existed for over a century in Preslav, today we know that the city dates back decades before it was declared a capital – probably at the beginning of the 9th century, in the time of Khan Krum or Khan Omurtag. As early as the before-the-capital period, Preslav was firmly fortified and well-built. It guarded the nearby Stara Planina passages and at the same time was a residence of The Khan. After the official adoption of Christianity (864), a number of Christian temples were built in Preslav which testify to the numerous populations and the gradual expansion of the city. The powerful fortifications, the important place of the city in the military-administrative system of the state and, last but not least, the Christian tradition, which undoubtedly existed in these places even in the late Antiquity, are the most important reasons that explain Preslavs choice for the new capital city of Christian Bulgaria.
In 893 The Royal Prince Boris I announced the relocation of the capital from Pliska to Preslav and raised Simeon to the throne (893-927) (recognized by the pretentious Byzantine writers as one of the most erudite rulers of his time). According to the third decision of the Council, the Bulgarian language was declared official in the worship service and the state office. Thus, all necessary prerequisites for the development of those events, processes and phenomena, now called “the Golden Age” of the Bulgarian spiritual and material culture, were created.
When telling about Tzar Simeon the Apocryphal Bulgarian chronicles link his name with a large construction activity: “… then Simeon accepted the Bulgarian kingdom… and the great city of Preslav he … built and created in 28 years …”. This is confirmed by archaeological research. Probably in the first years of Simeons rule (or the last decades of the rule of Boris I), the earlier fortress was expanded to the north and around it was built a second – an external fortress wall covering an area of 3.5 km2. Thus, the enlarged space of the earlier aul gained importance in the citadel, also called The Inner City, which was the center of the supreme secular and spiritual power. The area between the two fortress walls (The Outer City) and the nearby surroundings were the real territory of the town. There were boyar mansions and monasteries, crafts and trade districts, as well as residential areas of the ordinary population. In the scriptures of the monasteries there was an intensive literary activity, there were translations from Greek and were created original works in Bulgarian language, and in the workshops of some aristocratic mansions and monasteries and in the production quarters, the craftsmen created exquisite works of the famous Preslav painted ceramics, jewelry, on bone, wood and stone. Archaeological excavations prove that the city continues to develop and reaches its greatest splendor during the reign of Tzar Peter (927-969).
For less than a century, Preslav has become one of the most beautiful and well-developed cities in Europe at the time. With its majestic palaces, temples and representative buildings connected by streets, squares and covered galleries, the Bulgarian capital was worthy of rivaling Constantinople.
Preslavs shimmer is diminishing after the death of Tzar Peter in 969 when the Bulgarian capital was conquered by the Kiev prince Svetoslav. Two years later, in 971, on Easter, Preslav was captured by the Byzantine Emperor Yoan Tzimishi and named the town Yoanopol. After the rebuilding of Bulgarian statehood, in the years of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the city was an important administrative and metropolitan center and its adjacent territory was called “Petrova Land” as it became the manor of the retreated Tzar Peter II. In 1388 Preslav was captured by the troops of the Ottoman general Ali Pasha.
Today, part of the magnificence of the former capital is preserved in the Archaeological Museum “Veliki Preslav “. The delights of the Preslav palaces and the refined taste of its inhabitants remind of the exquisite examples of Preslav painted ceramics and marble architectural details and the dozens of inscriptions on stone and ceramics testify to the literary and educational activity. In the Treasury of the Preslav Museum you can see the exclusive Preslav golden treasure, which unintentionally brings us back to the words of Yoan Exarch: “… with your own eyes you could worthy wonder on this beauty …”.
Kde získať turistické informácie?
Kontakt
Archaeological museum “Veliki Preslav”
P.O. Box 16, Veliki Preslav 9850 Bulgaria
tel. +359538 43243
e-mail: museum_preslav@abv.bg
web: en.museum-velikipreslav.com
Tourist information center Veliki Preslav
61A “Boris Spirov” str., Veliki Preslav, Bulgaria
tel. +359 5384 2309
e-mail: tic_v.preslav@abv.bg
web: velikipreslav.bg
Transport - how to get to the Museum?
Archaeological museum “Veliki Preslav” is located in National Archaeological reserve Veliki Preslav. You can reach us by bus, car or bicycle. By CAR and BUS: You can use two parking lot for cars at the 50 m from the building.
Tips for accommodation
- Hotel-Restaurant "Omurtagov Most"Tel: +359 894 668 266; +359 538 42 112; omurtagovmost@mail.bg
- The Family Hotel "Preslav" Contacts: +359 897 066 371
- Tourist bedroom in the town of Veliki Preslav Tel: +359 896 715 256
- Guest House "Bolyarski stan"Tel: +359 888 851 695, +359 892 651 999 e-mail: georgiev63_vp@abv.bg; www.bolqrskistan.com
- "Kostadone" Guest House - Veliki Preslav, 17 "Zlaten vek" Str, Tel: 00359888244360