Az, Buki, Vedi, Glagoli… /I know the letters so that I may speak with them…/
Our ancestors learned the alphabet by reciting it like a prayer. Today, more than 250 million people in 23 countries around the world use the Cyrillic alphabet. Writers and poets weave words into true literary treasures, thus preserving the A, B, V created as far back as the end of the 9th century.
Комплексът е уникален по своя характер – съчетава по неповторим начин култура и история. Изграден е, за да открои важното значение на Плиска и кирилицата не само за българската история, но и за тази на всички народи, ползващи днес кирилските букви. Това е мястото, където буквите се връщат обратно у дома, след като са донесли мъдрост, знание и светлина по света..
The complex is unique in character, combining culture and history in an extraordinary way. It was created to highlight the importance of Pliska and the Cyrillic alphabet not only for Bulgarian history, but also for the history of all peoples who use Cyrillic letters today. This is the place where the letters return home after bringing wisdom, knowledge and light to the world.
We invite you on a journey through history and hope to show you just how much our letters have given to the world. If you are looking for attractions near Varna, stop by for a glimpse into history and a journey of self-discovery. The complex takes you back to the age of the great Bulgarians, combining cultural heritage with historical treasures. Since its opening in 2015, it has become a unique phenomenon in Bulgaria. Hundreds of tourists come here to discover one of the greatest achievements of the Bulgarian people – their own alphabet.
The “Courtyard of the Cyrillic Alphabet” was born from Armenian businessman Karen Aleksanyan’s love of history and books. He embraced Bulgarian history so deeply that he chose to make Bulgaria his home. During his first visit to Pliska, he felt the powerful energy of the place and imagined the events witnessed by Bulgaria’s first capital. Deeply moved by the fact that the Cyrillic alphabet was born here, he decided to create a park celebrating an alphabet whose history has been marked by great trials and struggles. Thanks to him, today each of us can visit our own letter and experience that sense of excitement and pride. The site also attracts many travellers exploring the historical landmarks of Pliska and Preslav.
In the Courtyard itself, you will discover all 30 letters of the Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet on a monumental scale, beautifully sculpted by Ruben Nalbandyan. Although the Armenian sculptor did not speak Bulgarian, he understood the importance of the project and, together with his students, completed the letters in just six months. Each letter represents different beautiful words from the Bulgarian language. For example, the letter “В” refers to wine, “З” to the earth, “О” to forgiveness, and “С” to the sun. The craftsmanship, ornamentation and grandeur of the letters are truly worth seeing in person.
At the “Courtyard of the Cyrillic Alphabet” Cultural and Historical Complex, you will also discover the “Cyrillica” Fortress and the Writers’ Alley. The fortress symbolises a defensive wall protecting Bulgarian literary works and letters. Inside, paintings depict important historical moments through the eyes of artists Mihaila Mihaylova and Valentin Goleshev. In the Writers’ Alley, you can walk among busts of Bulgarian and foreign writers who contributed to the development of literature written in Cyrillic and helped spread its cultural legacy around the world. Yavorov, Vazov and Botev, as well as Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, are all represented here and honoured for their contribution.
The Courtyard of the Cyrillic Alphabet is undoubtedly a place worth visiting if you are looking for interesting historical and cultural attractions in Pliska and the Shumen region.
With great inspiration, dedication and a love of history, an empty meadow near Pliska was transformed into an extraordinary place – a place that preserves the memory of the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet and the writers and artists who helped its legacy endure through the centuries.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the “Courtyard of the Cyrillic Alphabet” Cultural and Historical Complex!
The fortress rises as a symbolic stronghold, protecting culture from the influence of the Latin world. It is no coincidence that it bears the name “Cyrillica.” Its name embodies the idea that the Cyrillic letters unite all peoples and communities that have used this script throughout history and continue to use it to this day.
The Writers’ Alley commemorates the legacy of 80 authors who used the Cyrillic script in their works to tell stories that touch the heart.
As you walk along the Alley, you will have the opportunity to discover not only the literary heritage but also the visual arts of each country represented. The busts were created by some of the finest sculptors from the respective nations of the distinguished writers.
Mon – Sun: 09:00 – 18:00
Photography – Free
Tour guide – Free for groups
