Archaeological Museum Veliki Preslav
Veliki Preslav was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire and one of the great centres of medieval Slavic culture. The museum and archaeological reserve reveal a world of palaces, churches, workshops, inscriptions, painted ceramics and literary activity that shaped the cultural history of medieval Bulgaria.
What can you discover here?
Archaeological Museum Exhibition
The museum contains archaeological objects illustrating the history, culture and everyday life of medieval Preslav. The collections include ceramics, architectural elements, inscriptions, jewellery and other finds.
Preslav Golden Treasure
The famous Preslav Golden Treasure contains gold, silver and bronze objects decorated with enamel, precious stones and pearls. It is one of the most important archaeological discoveries connected with medieval Bulgaria.
Preslav Painted Ceramics
The museum presents exceptional examples of painted ceramics associated with medieval Preslav. Their decoration demonstrates the high artistic and technical standards achieved by local workshops.
Palace Complex
The palace complex formed the political and administrative heart of the medieval capital. The remains include the Grand Palace, Little Palace and other monumental structures associated with the ruling elite.
Round Church
The Round Church, also known as the Golden Church, is one of the most distinctive monuments of Preslav. Its unusual plan and rich architectural decoration represent an important achievement of medieval Bulgarian architecture.
Ruler's Basilica
The Ruler's Basilica is one of the major churches of the Inner City. Its monumental dimensions reflect the importance of Christianity within the medieval Bulgarian capital.
Patriarchal Complex
The Patriarchal complex formed an important part of the religious centre of medieval Preslav. Its remains illustrate the scale and organisation of the city's ecclesiastical architecture.
History & Heritage
Veliki Preslav developed from an early medieval fortified settlement into the second capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. The city expanded particularly after becoming the capital during the reign of Tsar Simeon the Great.
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The medieval city became an important political, religious and cultural centre. Palaces, churches, monasteries and workshops reflected the wealth and ambitions of the Bulgarian state.
Preslav was also an important centre of literary and educational activity. Following the Christianisation of Bulgaria and the arrival of disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Slavic literary traditions developed in the Bulgarian lands. Preslav became one of the major centres of this cultural transformation.
The city was renowned for its artistic production. Workshops created painted ceramics, jewellery, architectural decoration and other objects of exceptional quality.
The Archaeological Museum presents archaeological finds from the medieval city, including the famous Preslav Golden Treasure, painted ceramics, inscriptions, seals and objects from the palace and religious complexes.
Together with the surrounding archaeological reserve, the museum provides a comprehensive introduction to one of the most important centres of medieval Bulgarian culture.
Practical Information
November: 09:00–17:00.
December–March: 09:00–17:00; treasury visits at weekends and holidays may require prior arrangement.
Visitor Information +
Archaeological Museum “Veliki Preslav”
On holidays and weekends it is open from 10:00-18:00
November: 9:00 - 17:00
The museum is open every day.
WINTER ( December-March): 9:00 - 17:00
On holidays and weekends, visiting the treasury room is by prior arrangement only.
Tourist Information Centre Veliki Preslav
Location
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