The 30 stone letter sculptures were carved by 12 sculptors from various countries, including Armenia, Russia, and Bulgaria.
The complex was established in 2015 to mark the 1150th anniversary of the adoption of the Cyrillic alphabet.
It is the only cultural site in the world specifically dedicated to the Cyrillic script as a foundational element of Slavic culture.
The courtyard features a unique 'Alley of the Writers' honoring key contributors to literature and linguistics throughout history.
The site hosts an exhibit dedicated to the 30 languages that currently utilize the Cyrillic alphabet.
The Courtyard of the Cyrillic Alphabet (Dvor na Kirilitsata) is an open-air cultural and historical complex in Pliska, Bulgaria, dedicated to the creation and global dissemination of the Cyrillic script. The centerpiece is an alley featuring monumental stone sculptures of the 30 Cyrillic letters, each standing over two meters tall. The site includes a gallery displaying paintings and portraits of Bulgarian monarchs and historical figures pivotal to the alphabet's adoption. It houses an exhibition of various writing systems and a collection of coins dating back to the First Bulgarian Empire. The complex is intentionally located in Pliska, the site of the first capital of the First Bulgarian Empire, where King Boris I adopted Christianity and endorsed the spread of Slavic literacy. It serves as an educational center aimed at preserving the cultural identity of all nations using the Cyrillic script. The grounds also contain a chapel and a garden designed to facilitate scholarly reflection.
Beside the stone sculpture of your home country's first letter or the 'AZ' (А) letter at the entrance of the alley.
Visit the onsite gallery first to gain historical context before walking through the sculpture courtyard.
The site is largely outdoors, so ensure you have sun protection or an umbrella depending on the season.
Check the official website for scheduled temporary exhibitions or cultural events before arriving.
Assuming this is part of the state-run Pliska archaeological reserve; it is a separate private entity and requires its own entry permit.
Open daily year-round, though outdoor sculptures may be less accessible during heavy snowfall.
