A Day in Shumen: Exploring Bulgaria's Historic Capital

1. 9:00AM: Shumen Fortress
   Located on a hilltop above the city, this impressive fortress offers stunning views of Shumen and the surrounding countryside. You will learn about its place in Bulgarian history and visit the iconic monument to the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian Kingdom. (Estimated time: 2 hours)
2. 11:30AM: Madara Rider
   Drive or take a bus 12km east of the city to see an astonishing relief carved into a cliff over 13 centuries ago. The large equestrian statue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vivid symbol of Bulgaria's national identity and a unique and impressive work of art. (Estimated time: 2 hours)
   (Estimated driving time: 20 minutes)
3. 2:00PM: Tombul Mosque
   One of Bulgaria's largest mosques and a significant symbol of Ottoman-era architecture. You will admire its impressive facade featuring geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy. (Estimated time: 1 hour)
   (Estimated walking time from Madara Rider: 10 minutes)
4. 3:30PM: Regional History Museum
   Located in an old merchant house in the city centre, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history and culture, including ancient Thracian and Roman artifacts, traditional crafts, and local paintings. (Estimated time: 1.5 hours)
   (Estimated walking time from Tombul Mosque: 20 minutes)
5. 5:00PM: Shumen City Park
   Spend some time strolling through the park, taking in the lush greenery and snapping photos of the impressive Monument to 1300th Anniversary of Bulgaria. (Estimated time: 45 minutes)
   (Estimated walking time from Regional History Museum: 5 minutes)

Time and Costs Estimates

• Entrance fee for Shumen Fortress: 5 BGN (2.5 EUR)
• Entrance fee for Madara Rider: 8 BGN (4 EUR)
• Entrance fee for Regional History Museum: 4 BGN (2 EUR)
• Lunch: 15-20 BGN (8-10 EUR)
• Estimated total time: 8 hours
• Estimated total cost: 32-37 BGN (16-18.5 EUR)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring some of the other cultural and historical sites in the region, such as the Pliska and Preslav capitals of the First Bulgarian Empire, or the Madara Horseman eco-trail. For a shorter visit, consider removing the mosque or the park from your itinerary.