The Bulgarian state was founded in 681 and Pliska became its first capital. The city is located on a crossroads amidst a vast hilly area and is protected with impressive protective walls. The ancient capital was protected by three rings of defence. The outermost one is a deep trench, the second – thick stone walls more than 10 metres high, and the third – walls made of clay bricks.
The remains of a large palace are found in Pliska. It has special secret entrances through which one could leave the city unseen. Walk around and you will find many other buildings, such as the Small Palace with the rooms in which the members of the khan’s family lived. You can also see two pagan temples and a richly decorated Throne Room.
The Great Basilica is one of the most remarkable treasures in Pliska. So called because of its impressive scale, it was the largest Christian church in South Eastern Europe in its time.