Overview
Shumen is a historic northeastern Bulgarian city of about 70,000 people, notable for its proximity to two medieval capitals of the First Bulgarian Empire—Pliska and Preslav—and the UNESCO-listed Madara Rider bas-relief. The city is dominated by the massive Monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State, a striking 1980s structure on the Shumen Plateau featuring a 1,000-ton granite lion.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is available throughout the city and along major roads. WiFi is typically found in hotels and cafes.
History
Shumen serves as the gateway to the UNESCO Madara Rider and the medieval capitals of Pliska and Preslav, three of Bulgaria's most significant historical sites.
Money
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (лв, BGN). ATMs are widely available. Prices mentioned in the article are in leva.
Transport
Shumen is a rail hub on the Sofia-Varna line with frequent BDZ trains. By road, Motorway A2 provides fast access to Varna (east) and Veliko Tarnovo (west).
