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 St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.
The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.
The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.