# Bulgarian historical tourism development in Shumen

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-historical-tourism-development-in-shumen
> Updated: 2026-08-24T10:57:24.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Efforts to promote Bulgarian historical heritage in the Shumen region have transitioned from political advocacy to formal inter-municipal cooperation. Initially, GERB leader Boyko Borissov emphasized the importance of the “Dvor na Kirilitsata” cultural-historical complex in Pliša, noting that “preserving history is a way to keep our national identity” and highlighting infrastructure investments to support tourism.

Building on this focus on historical sites, the municipalities of Shumen, Kaspichan, and Veliki Preslav signed an agreement to launch a joint tourism route titled ‘This is Where Bulgaria Begins. Route of the Old Bulgarian Capitals’. This initiative aims to connect five major sites—Pliska, the Court of Cyrillic, Madara, Veliki Preslav, and Shumen—to capitalize on international attention surrounding the Eurovision 2027 contest in Burgas. The project intends to provide a unified narrative of the Bulgarian state's origins and the development of the Cyrillic alphabet through organized transport and digital offerings.

## Claims

- The municipalities of Shumen, Kaspichan, and Veliki Preslav signed an agreement to develop a joint tourism route titled ‘This is Where Bulgaria Begins. Route of the Old Bulgarian Capitals’. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The initiative aims to leverage the international interest expected during the Eurovision 2027 contest hosted in Burgas. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The development of the tourism product is expected to be completed by mid-September. (single source)
- The proposed route includes five main destinations: Pliska, the Court of Cyrillic, Madara, Veliki Preslav, and Shumen. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Shumen and neighboring municipalities launch historical tourism route

Shumen, Kaspichan, and Veliki Preslav municipalities are developing a joint historical tourism route to attract visitors during the Eurovision 2027 contest in Burgas.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shumen-and-neighboring-municipalities-launch-historical-tourism-route

### 2026-07-25: Boyko Borissov promotes Pliša heritage site “Dvor na Kirilitsata” at GERB‑Shumen meeting

Boyko Borissov met GERB‑Shumen leaders at Pliša’s “Dvor na Kirilitsata” complex, urging heritage preservation, infrastructure upgrades and tourism promotion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boyko-borissov-promotes-plia-heritage-site-dvor-na-kirilitsata-at-gerbshumen-meeting

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Cite as: Bulgarian historical tourism development in Shumen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-historical-tourism-development-in-shumen