3 Must-See Sights in Bulgaria’s First Capital – Pliska
Pliska is a place rich in history and cultural heritage. From 681 to 893, it served as the capital of Bulgaria — in fact, it was the first capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. But let’s skip the history lesson you probably remember from school, and instead, highlight three lesser-known but truly fascinating places you should visit in and around the town.
1. National Historical and Archaeological Reserve “Pliska”
Technically located about 3 km outside the modern town, this site is part of Bulgaria’s official list of 100 National Tourist Sites — so don’t forget your stamp booklet! The reserve is impressive in scale and features three defensive rings: an outer earth ditch, a middle fortification made of massive stone blocks, and an inner fortress of bricks. A walk through the ruins feels like a step back in time.
2. The Great Basilica of Pliska
Located just 1.3 km from the eastern gate of the Inner City and close to the archaeological reserve, this complex includes the basilica itself, a monastery, and an archbishop’s palace. When it was built, it was one of the largest Christian basilicas in Southeastern Europe — a powerful testament to the glory and importance of Pliska in early Bulgarian history.
3. The Court of Cyrillic
This is perhaps the most unexpected and heartwarming landmark in Pliska. Built by an Armenian visionary, it opened on May 2, 2015, and today it celebrates the Cyrillic alphabet and its cultural legacy. Entrance is BGN 10, with discounts for students and seniors (BGN 7), and free admission for children under 7.*
The entire space is beautifully designed — what used to be a grassy field is now home to majestic stone sculptures of each Cyrillic letter. A small chapel named after Boris I, the ruler who brought Christianity to Bulgaria, stands within the complex. There’s also the “Avenue of Writers,” where visitors can stroll past sculpted busts of great authors from around the world. Eventually, the path will feature 80 sculptures in total.
*Note: Entrance fees are current as of October 2023. For updated pricing and visitor information, check the official website of The Court of Cyrillic.
