Happy TravellerWelcome to Shumen, a historic city located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. As the administrative and economic capital of Shumen Province, this charming city is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its more famous neighbors. However, Shumen boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine that make it a hidden gem worth exploring. Join us as we uncover the many treasures of Shumen and reveal why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Shumen’s history dates back to the Chalcolithic period, and the city has been inhabited by Thracians, Romans, Bulgarians, and Ottomans throughout the centuries. The city’s name is derived from the Bulgarian word for deciduous forest, and it has been mentioned in historical records under various names throughout the ages. During the Second Bulgarian Empire, Shumen was a significant military, administrative, and economic center, and it played an important role in the country’s cultural and religious activities. The city was also a communication hub of importance in the Ottoman Empire and a center of the Bulgarian National Revival in the 19th century.
Today, visitors to Shumen can explore the city’s rich history by visiting its many historical landmarks and museums. The Shumen Fortress, partially restored after being destroyed by the Ottomans, is an important historical monument of the medieval Bulgarian Empire. The Regional Historical Museum, which is a successor of the Archaeological Society created in Shumen in 1904 by Rafail Popov, offers a glimpse into the city’s past. The Madara Horseman, a World Heritage Site and the only such example of medieval rock art in Europe, is an ancient monument usually attributed to the Bulgar culture. It lies some 20 km from Shumen.
Religious buildings in the city include the Eastern Orthodox Holy Three Saints Cathedral and Holy Ascension Basilica, as well as the Sherif Halil Pasha mosque (also known as the Tombul Mosque), the largest mosque in Bulgaria and one of the largest in the Balkans, serving Shumen and the region’s Muslim minority. Kurşun çeşme is a fountain built in 1774 during the Ottoman Empire.
Shumen is also known for its stunning natural landscapes. The city lies within a cluster of hills, northern outliers of the eastern Balkans, which curve around it on the west and south in the shape of a horseshoe. A rugged ravine intersects the ground longitudinally in the horseshoe ridge. From Shumen, roads radiate northwards to the Danubian cities of Rousse and Silistra and to Dobruja, southwards to the passes of the Balkans, and eastwards to Varna and Balchik.
Visitors to Shumen can also indulge in the city’s delicious local cuisine. Traditional Bulgarian dishes such as banitsa, kavarma, and kebapche can be found in many of the city’s restaurants and cafes. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs catering to locals and tourists alike.
In terms of accommodations, Shumen offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, visitors can find the perfect place to stay during their visit to the city.
In conclusion, Shumen is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, indulging in its delicious local cuisine, or simply taking in its stunning landscapes, Shumen has something for everyone. So why not add this enchanting destination to your travel bucket list today?
