Ruins of Pliska

Just a few minutes' walk from the modern Bulgarian town of Pliska was the oldest capital in Bulgaria that had the same name. For two centuries, Pliska remained the most important center of the Bulgarian Empire. Founded by the legendary Khan Asparuh, it had flourished until the Byzantines came to these lands at the end of the 9th century. Then the capital was moved to Preslav, and the beautiful town of Pliska was almost destroyed.

Nowadays, the territory of the ancient town with an area of ​​23 square kilometers is a national historical and archaeological reserve, filled with ruins of ancient architectural monuments. Once, there were magnificent palaces, including the main shrine of the town, a stone basilica. Unfortunately, only a clay water supply of this basilica was preserved. Everything else was reconstructed.

Many local buildings were restored, following the old records and drawings. The best-preserved structure that still boasts its original appearance is the palace of the great Khan Omurtag, who ruled Bulgaria from 814 to 831. The ancient palace ensemble includes a small palace, baths with a rather complex heating system, two pagan temples, and a spacious throne room, where the formidable khan held numerous audiences. Even today, looking at the ruins, one can imagine how luxurious the interior of the palace was, and how richly the walls of the throne room were decorated.

Pliska housed many quarries until the end of the 19th century. No wonder new temples were often erected from ancient ruins. For example, the largest mosque in Bulgaria, Tombul, was built from Pliska's stones in the ancient city of Shumen in the middle of the 18th century.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the ruins of Pliska were discovered by a Bulgarian archaeologist, Karel Skorpil. He contributed to the beginning of the archaeological excavations that unveiled the ancient capital of Bulgaria. By the way, the researcher, historian and scientist was buried in the territory of his discovery.