The town of Pliska lies at a distance of 28 km northeast of Shumen and 6 m from Kaspichan. It is situated in a field at an altitude of 140 m. 3 km from the present-day town is located the archaeological reserve "Pliska". The ancient settlement originates as a military fortification.

Tourist sights

The archaeological reserve "Pliska" lies at a distance of 2 km north of the present-day town. The town has been the residence of the Bulgarian khans. Pliska is the first Bulgarian capital for a period of two centuries from 681 until 893. The capital has been the political military, cultural and economic centre of the Bulgarian state. The town is among the most impressive monuments of the medieval European town planning. Over an area of 23 000 m² one can see remarkable architectural objects. The defense system has been built in the following sequence: an external defensive girdle of deep pits, the second girdle of thick stone walls reaching a height of 12 m and the third girdle of clay bricks.

In the external town has lived the common people and here has been erected the biggest monumental church of Middle Age Bulgaria - The Great Basilica. It has been of 99 m length and 29,5 m width. It is built by Prince Boris. The walls are of ashlars. With its 2 920 m² this has been the biggest Christian church on the Balkan Peninsula. In the internal town has been situated the Big Palace (the Throne Palace). Pliska is the town where the Bulgarians took the Christian religion. The town has had a huge water reservoir and modern for the time baths. In 886 Prince Boris I welcomes in the town the students of the founders of the Bulgarian alphabet -the brothers Cyril and Methodius.