Veliki Preslav became the second capital of Bulgaria during 893 and its reign ended some 50 years after the death of its ruler and founder Tsar Simeon (893-927). The town became one of the most famous capitals in south-east Europe. It was situated on a 3,2 square km area and was distinguished for its stunning buildings, decorated with silver and gold. By that time the town was enclosed by two high city walls. The first one surrounded the outer city – the place where the ordinary citizens used to live. The second one surrounded the inner city – the Citadel that comprised of authority buildings. The most characteristic building in old Preslav was and still is the Golden (Round) Church which was erected in 908. The central area of the church has 12 walled in niches divided by 12 columns made out of white marble.

The national historical-archeological reserve and the historical museum “Veliki Preslav” is situated above the ruins of the old Bulgarian capital (893-972) and embraces about 500 ha of its area. The continuous researches made over the last century point out that the design of the city of Preslav was worthy enough to compete with the Byzantine capital Constantinople. Numerous treasures and monuments have been found on the territory of the old capital, the most famous and of world significance of which are the ceramic icon of St. Theodore, the Preslav Gold Treasure and the ceramic iconostasis of the Palace monastery. The museum possesses a unique collection of leaden stamps claimed to be the biggest in the world, which was found during the excavations of an administrative building in the central area of the Palace. Another interesting place of interest is the monastery St. Panteleymon situated in Patleyna reserve about 2 - 2,5 km to the south of the outer city walls, huddled in the first fold of the mountain chain. A legend says that it was the final place of solitude of Prince Boris after his abdication.