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Shumen · Bulgaria

Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument

A monumental sculptural complex above Shumen dedicated to the creation and early rulers of the Bulgarian state.

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Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument Feradz · CC BY 3.0
Typical visit
2 hours
Setting
Outdoor
Region
Northeast Bulgaria
Last checked
10 Aug 2026

Why visit

The Founders monument is important as an interpretation of medieval history created in the late socialist period. Its huge concrete figures and mosaics do not attempt archaeological reconstruction; instead, they present a deliberately symbolic national narrative. This makes the complex valuable alongside nearby Pliska and Preslav, where original archaeological remains survive. Comparing them shows how early Bulgarian history has been studied, preserved and commemorated in very different forms across the same region.

What you will see

  • Monumental concrete figures representing early Bulgarian rulers.
  • Large mosaics and symbolic compositions.
  • Panoramic views from the Shumen Plateau over the modern city.

History

The monument opened in 1981 during celebrations marking 1,300 years since the traditional foundation date of the Bulgarian state. Its massive concrete forms and mosaics interpret rulers and symbols from the First Bulgarian Empire.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Confirm the current public entrance, trailhead, parking point or visitor route shortly before travel.

About Northeast Bulgaria

The northeast contains major Roman archaeology, Thracian burial monuments and the first capitals of the Bulgarian state, with Pliska, Madara, Preslav and Shumen forming a concentrated historical landscape.

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Combine it with

More to see around Shumen

All of Shumen
Shumen Fortress Shumen · Bulgaria A large fortified archaeological site on the Shumen Plateau with remains from ancient, medieval Bulgarian and Ottoman periods. Abrittus Archaeological Reserve Razgrad · Bulgaria The remains of the Roman city of Abrittus near Razgrad, with excavated streets, buildings, fortifications and museum displays. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari Sveshtari · Bulgaria A 3rd-century BC Thracian tomb distinguished by sculpted female figures and painted decoration, protected within the Sboryanovo archaeological area. Pliska National Historical-Archaeological Reserve Pliska · Bulgaria The archaeological remains of Pliska, the first major capital of the First Bulgarian Empire, spread across a large fortified landscape. Madara National Historical-Archaeological Reserve Madara · Bulgaria A cliff and archaeological complex best known for the early medieval Madara Rider relief carved high into the rock face. Veliki Preslav National Historical-Archaeological Reserve Veliki Preslav · Bulgaria The archaeological remains of Preslav, the second capital of the First Bulgarian Empire and a major centre of medieval court, church and literary culture.

Already worked out

Ready-made trips through Shumen

All ready-made trips
First Capitals and Thracian Heritage 4 days · 7 stops · Moderate pace A 4-day route linking first capitals and thracian heritage through geographically related heritage and landscape stops, with time reserved for the character of each place rather than long lists of rushed visits.