Cyril and Methodius Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

St. Panteleimon Monastery of Patleina area, Veliki Preslav

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The Monastery of Patleina area

Explore the Archaeological Wonders South of Veliki Preslav! Just 2.5 km south of the ancient fortress walls of Veliki Preslav lies a treasure trove of history. The archaeological exploration of this site began in 1909, led by Yordan Gospodinov, a dedicated local teacher and archaeologist. Visitors can marvel at the remains of a church, standing up to 2.50 meters tall, along with the nearby residential and monastery buildings. The area also features workshops where ceramic decorations were crafted and facilities for washing, sedimentation, and purification of the renowned white Preslav clay. Additionally, under the northern wall of the church, a masonry tomb with six burial chambers has been preserved, offering a glimpse into the ancient burial practices.

Explore the fascinating white-clay pottery from the Patleina area, renowned for its intricate plant motifs, saintly images, and inscriptions in Greek, Cyrillic, and Glagolitic. This exquisite pottery is a testament to the intellectual and artistic achievements of the medieval Preslav center. The monastery cloister, where these masterpieces were created, was a hub of scholarly activity in the 9th and 10th centuries. The monks’ unparalleled craftsmanship during this period remains unmatched. Legend has it that Prince Boris I the Baptist chose this monastery for his monastic life. Additionally, the students of Cyril and Methodius are believed to have used this serene location for their educational endeavors and the creation of the Cyrillic script. Visit Patleina and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that shaped the medieval world.

What can you visit here?

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Monastery "St. Panteleimon" Monastery in the locality of Patleina

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Preslav Treasures

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Information from history

History of the monastery

During its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries, the monastery was a key center of the Preslav Literary School and a major hub for producing beautifully painted decorative ceramics. Visit this historic site to discover the rich cultural and artistic heritage that flourished here, making it one of the most important locations in medieval history.

Where to get tourist information?

Contacts

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 Monastery?

The Patleina locality is located 2.5 km south of the fotress walls of the old capital Veliki Preslav. You can reach us by bus, car or bicycle.
By CAR and BUS: There is a parking lot for cars, which is located about 350 m from the monastery.

Tips for accommodation

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