Nestled along the Golyama Kamchia River, just 30 km from Pliska, the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire, Veliki Preslav stands as a testament to over 1100 years of history, entrenched in the realm of fortresses and cultural significance. Established as a town-fortress under the rule of Knyaz Boris I, it gained prominence as the capital of the Bulgarian state after the Preslav Council of the Church and the People in 893.
Veliki Preslav became a spiritual and literary hub during the Golden Age of Bulgaria, particularly under Tsar Simeon I's reign (893 – 927). In medieval Bulgaria, it transformed into one of Southeastern Europe's most beautiful and grandeur towns, revealing significant monuments of the Pliska and Preslav cultures.
The town faced pivotal moments in its history, witnessing a shift in power as Knyaz Svetoslav I of Kiev conquered it in 970, subsequently moving the capital of Kievan Rus' there. However, in 971, the Byzantines, led by Emperor Ioan I Tzimiskes, conquered and plundered the town, renaming it Ioanopolis. It remained under Byzantine rule until the uprising of boyars Asen and Peter restored it as a Bulgarian fortress.
Much like its predecessor Pliska, the fortress of Preslav boasted inner and outer fortification systems. The inner fortress, an R-shaped structure with round and square towers, stood at the heart of the Inner Town. The plateau housed palaces, including the well-preserved Big Palace and Western Palace, showcasing the architectural prowess of the time.
Veliki Preslav's architectural legacy is exemplified by the Golden Church, constructed during Tsar Simeon I's reign. This magnificent church, situated on a high terrace near the palaces, stands as a unique monument of Bulgarian architecture from the First Bulgarian Empire. The ruler's temple, discovered during excavations, revealed impressive dimensions and direct links to Tsar Simeon I or Tsar Peter's reign in the 10th century.
References:The church of the former Franciscan monastery was built probably between 1515 and 1520. It is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Rauma. The church stands by the small stream of Raumanjoki (Rauma river).
The exact age of the Church of the Holy Cross is unknown, but it was built to serve as the monastery church of the Rauma Franciscan Friary. The monastery had been established in the early 15th century and a wooden church was built on this location around the year 1420.
The Church of the Holy Cross served the monastery until 1538, when it was abandoned for a hundred years as the Franciscan friary was disbanded in the Swedish Reformation. The church was re-established as a Lutheran church in 1640, when the nearby Church of the Holy Trinity was destroyed by fire.
The choir of the two-aisle grey granite church features medieval murals and frescoes. The white steeple of the church was built in 1816 and has served as a landmark for seafarers.