Towering over the city from a steep hillside, the Shumen Fortress dates originally to the early Iron Age. It was augmented and reinforced by the Thracians (5th century BC). Between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, the Romans added towers and walls. It was refortified later by the Byzantines, who made it an important garrison.
During the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396) the fortress was one of northeast Bulgaria’s most significant settlements, renowned for its pottery and metalwork. However, invading Ottomans in the late 14th century burnt and looted it.
Placards are dotted around the site and a yellowing information booklet (2 lv) is available at the gate. The fortress is 5.5km up from the mosque. A taxi costs about 5 lv.
From the fortress entrance, a 3km path leads to the gigantic Creators of the Bulgarian State Monument, from where you return to the centre.
