Palace of Omurtag

Welcome to the sweeping plains of Pliska, the very cradle of the present day Bulgarian state. Here lie the monumental remains of the first capital, a city founded by Khan Asparuh in six hundred and eighty one. …

We begin by examining the massive defensive perimeter of the Inner City, a critical component of Khan Omurtag's reconstruction efforts. The original earthen ramparts of Pliska proved insufficient against the Byzantine assault,…

We now arrive at the structural centerpiece of the Inner City: the foundations of Khan Omurtag's Throne Hall. Even in its ruined state, the footprint of this building is overwhelming. …

A short walk from the Throne Hall brings us to a cluster of distinct, highly organized foundations that represent the spiritual core of early Pliska. These are the remains of the pagan temples erected by Khan Omurtag. …

Moving westward, we encounter an aspect of the palace complex that dispels any remaining notions of the early Bulgarians as primitive barbarians: the sophisticated hydro engineering works. Here lie the remains of a massive…

Leaving the strict confines of Omurtag's Inner City, we venture toward the vast expanse of the Outer City. This area, largely consisting of earthen ramparts and deep moats, is where the true scale of Pliska becomes evident. …

We conclude our specific sector tour by traveling approximately one point three kilometers from the Eastern Gate to stand before the colossal ruins of the Great Basilica. Although this structure postdates Khan Omurtag, having…

As our exploration of the Palace of Omurtag and the vast expanse of Pliska comes to an end, let us pause and look back across the sweeping plains. We have walked through the remnants of a civilization that literally built its…