See architecture from throughout the centuries in Shumen. From Soviet-era monuments to handsome Art Nouveau and Bulgarian Revival buildings, the city showcases an eclectic mix of styles. Leafy parks, pedestrianised streets and sidewalk cafes offer a quintessential European in the Bulgarian city.
Things to do in Shumen
Drive or walk up the impressive ceremonial staircase to the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument. It towers over the city and commemorates the 1,300th anniversary of the First Bulgarian Empire. A team of celebrated artists, architects and engineers designed the enormous, Cubist-style monument. It’s perched on a hilltop plateau and commands sweeping views over the city. Walk beneath soaring concrete pillars and gaze up at 18-metre-high statues of Bulgarian rulers.
Handsome Art Nouveau and Bulgarian Revival buildings line the streets of Shumen’s city centre. Some are beautifully restored and painted in different shades of pastel. Stroll through bustling pedestrian areas, relax in leafy parks and enjoy lunch at a sidewalk café. Order Bulgarian-style brewed coffee and “banitsa” pastries stuffed with cheese, eggs and yoghurt.
Visit Shumen Fortress and explore one of the most important archaeological sites in Bulgaria. The 3,000-year-old stronghold dates back to the Iron Age and helped establish Shumen as a strategic city during medieval times. Walk around the ruins of the ancient fortress and see archeological finds on display in the museum.
Tombul Mosque combines elements of Ottoman and French Baroque architecture. It’s one of the last remaining mosques in Bulgaria and showcases the city’s multicultural roots. The 40-metre-high minaret is visible from across the city.
Getting around Shumen
Shumen is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Local buses are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances. Trains connect Shumen with Sofia in six hours and the port city of Varna in 1.5 hours. Sofia International Airport is a 4.5-hour drive away.