Golden (Round) Church, Preslav
Shumen
The Golden Church, also known as the Round Church or the Church of St John, is a remarkable early medieval Eastern Orthodox church located in Preslav, the former capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. Dating back to the early 10th century during the reign of Tsar Simeon I, it stands as one of the most impressive examples of medieval Bulgarian architecture. The church's distinctive feature is its rotunda-shaped cella, which serves as the liturgical space, complemented by a wide atrium and a rectangular narthex with two circular turrets. Its architectural plan is unique and differs significantly from contemporary Bulgarian and Byzantine churches, with influences possibly from late Roman, Caucasian, and Carolingian Pre-Romanesque styles. The interior is richly decorated with mosaics, ceramics, and marble, including hundreds of drawings depicting ships, animals, and Christian figures. Inscriptions in Byzantine Greek, Glagolitic, and Cyrillic alphabets adorn the walls, highlighting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the period. The church is thought to correspond to a "new golden church" mentioned in medieval texts, symbolizing the cultural zenith of Preslav during Bulgaria's Golden Age under Simeon I. Today, it is a key archaeological and cultural monument within the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve of Veliki Preslav, attracting visitors interested in medieval history and architecture.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit during the spring and early autumn months for the most pleasant weather. Tickets for the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve, which includes the Golden Church, are recommended to be purchased in advance to avoid queues. Guided tours are available and provide valuable insights into the church's history and architecture. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The site is accessible by car and public transport from Shumen, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the archaeological park terrain.
Faits intéressants
- •The Golden Church is also known as the Church of St John and the Round Church due to its unique rotunda-shaped central cella.
- •Its interior decoration includes hundreds of drawings of ships, animals, and Christian figures, which is rare for medieval churches in the region.
- •The church's architectural design shows influences from late Roman, Caucasian, and Carolingian Pre-Romanesque styles, making it unique among Bulgarian medieval churches.
- •Medieval inscriptions on the walls include texts in Byzantine Greek, Glagolitic, and Cyrillic alphabets, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the period.
- •The church is believed to be the "new golden church" referenced in medieval Bulgarian literary sources, symbolizing the cultural peak of Preslav during Tsar Simeon's reign.
Histoire
The Golden Church was constructed in the early 10th century during the reign of Tsar Simeon I, who ruled from 893 to 927 and led Bulgaria into its Golden Age.
Preslav was established as the new capital to rival Constantinople, replacing the older pagan capital Pliska.
The church was part of a broader cultural and architectural flourishing, reflecting Bulgaria's political and religious consolidation after its Christianization in the 860s.
Archaeological excavations began in 1927–1928, uncovering the church's distinctive round design and rich interior decoration.
Over time, the church fell into ruin but remains a vital symbol of medieval Bulgarian heritage and the achievements of the First Bulgarian Empire.
Guide du lieu
Rotunda (Cella)10th century
The central circular chamber of the church, serving as the main liturgical space, notable for its architectural uniqueness and rich mosaic decoration.
Atrium and Narthex10th century
The wide atrium and rectangular entrance area marked by two circular turrets, serving as transitional spaces into the main rotunda.
Interior Decorations10th century
The interior walls are adorned with mosaics, ceramics, marble details, and hundreds of drawings depicting ships, fauna, and Christian figures, along with inscriptions in multiple alphabets.
Contact
Téléphone: 053 843 243