Pliska

Pliska is an archaeological site in Bulgaria housing the ruins of what was the country’s first capital. Spread over 23 square kilometres and with a complex system of fortifications, Pliska was an impressive early medieval city. It acted as the main city of the First Bulgarian Empire from 681AD until 893AD, when the capital was moved to Preslav by Tsar Simeon I.

This site features as one of our Top 10 Tourist Attractions of Bulgaria.

Pliska history

Pliska was the first capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. It was established in 681 after the Bulgars defeated the Byzantines.

The location was specifically chosen as a vantage point, the valley surrounded by the hillsides of neighbouring plateaus appealed to the proto-Bulgarians as a favorable place to pasture their herds. The location was also at an intersection of major thoroughfares.

The first structures at Pliska date from the end of the 7th century. They were made of wood and either circular or rectangular. Some were living quarters, while others served different purposes. The first palaces were surrounded by fortified walls and in the surrounding fields, villages were built to house workers.

At the end of the 8th century and the beginning of the 9th century, buildings made of stone replaced those made of wood. It is thought that the first stone structure was the palace of Han Krum. In 811AD, the capital was razed by the Byzantine Emperor Nikifor.

The imperial compound at Pliska was rebuilt during the reign of Omurtag 814-831 AD. A new throne room was built where the throne room of Krum had been before it was burned down, and a high brick wall was erected around the palace and the adjoining living quarters and fields.

Pliska changed significantly when Bulgaria accepted Christianity in 864 under King Boris I. The pagan temples were rebuilt as Christian churches were built, the most impressive being The Great Basilica, the remains of which can still be seen today. In 889, King Boris established a monastery, and its first prelate was the king’s oldest son Vladimir. However, when Vladimir attempted to re-introduce paganism he was blinded and imprisoned in a dungeon.

In 893, Simeon I assumed the throne, and the capital was moved from Pliska to Preslav.

After that, Pliska lost its administrative and political importance and returned to its former status as an agricultural centre. The city was particularly devastated by a massive invasion in 1048-1049.

Pliska today

Today, visitors can tour Pliska’s remains including some of its defences and a church known as the Big Basilica. The Pliska National Historical and Architectural Reserve was declared an important national cultural and historical landmark in Issue № 46 of the State Decrees for 1970.

There is a small museum located at the northeastern corner of the palace that displays artefacts discovered in the region, and in front of the museum, there is a rest area that offers refreshments. The Pliska Reserve is maintained by the Shumen Regional Museum of History.

Getting to Pliska

The Pliska Archaeological Reserve is located 28 km northeast of town of Shumen and 2 km from the modern town of Pliska.