The Shumen Plateau has been inhabited by humans since ancient times. This is evidenced by fragments of clay vessels and tools found in caves. During different historical periods, numerous Thracian, ancient and medieval settlements and fortresses existed on the territory of the Shumen Plateau Nature Reserve.

The most significant historical and archaeological site is "Shumen Fortress" ("Old Town"). It is located about 3 km. west of the town of Shumen. Archaeological research, which began in 1957 and lasted nearly 30 years, proves the existence of a fortified settlement as early as the time of the Thracians (5th-2nd centuries BC). During the Roman era (2nd-4th centuries), the fortification became a fortress guarding important Roman roads. In the 5th-6th centuries it was a Byzantine stronghold defending the approaches to the Stara Planina Mountains. The most significant period was during the late Middle Ages (12th-14th centuries), when the Shumen Fortress was one of the most important urban centers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It has an external fortification of three fortress walls and a small internal fortification - a citadel. The inner city has six quarters and six Christian churches. Four churches were built outside the fortress walls, which, like the internal ones, were richly decorated. In 1388, the Shumen Fortress was captured by the troops of Ali Pasha. It was finally destroyed in 1444 during the clash between the Turkish garrison and the crusaders of Vladislav III Jagiellon. Today, the "Shumen Fortress" is a well-studied, preserved and partially restored historical and archaeological reserve, included in the list of the One Hundred National Tourist Sites.

 Rock monasteries

They arose during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-14th centuries) and for more than two centuries were a space of religious, spiritual and cultural life. The rock monasteries, churches and monastic cells are associated with the development of hesychasm, a religious doctrine that preached "pure Christianity". They are concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the plateau. They were built in natural caves or rock niches in high, difficult-to-pass slopes or rock crowns. They were reached by steps carved into the rocks or by wooden and rope ladders. The soft structure of the limestone rocks allowed for additional processing and adaptation for the needs of monastic life. Stone walls or wooden partition walls were probably used to complete their construction. This is judged by the preserved rectangular outlines in the rocks and by the presence of holes that served to place supporting pillars for wooden walls, eaves and sheds. The rock monasteries (complexes) on the Shumen Plateau most often include churches, a varying number of cells and tombs. A rock church is considered to be a room that has elements inherent to church architecture: iconostasis, altar, apse, throne stone, etc. All rock churches are oriented in the east-west direction. There is scant and very general information about medieval rock monasteries.

The earliest reports come from Archbishop Petar Bogdan Bakshev (1601-1674). He visited Shumen and the surrounding area in 1640 and recounted the deeply impressed experiences he had "nests of enlightenment". It is reported that "To the north above the city, in the mountain, there is a hermitage, carved into the rock, and Slavic or Serbian writings and images are clearly visible, but everything was destroyed by the Turks".

The first studies of the rock monasteries in Bulgaria, including those on the Shumen Plateau, were made by Karel Shkorpil (1859-1944). He visited a large number of them and described their location and characteristics. In 1963, Stoyan Maslev gave more details about these medieval religious centers.

Scheme of Kostadinov Monastery: 1 – entrance, 2 – eastern church space, 3 – apse, 4,5,6 – niches, 7 – bench, 8 – entrance to a small compartment, 9 – cell, 10 – opening for lighting, 11 – carved entrance, 12 – room, 13 – carved burial trough, 14 – bench, 15 – opening, 16 – hole with a rectangular section, 17- niches, 18 – large rock column

It is located in the southeastern part of the Shumen Plateau. It was built in honor of the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian state according to the design of arch. Krum Damyanov. It was opened on 28.XI.1981. Through massive sculptural compositions, mosaic panels and fragments with inscriptions, the monument recreates the most important moments in the history of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. It consists of two halls. The first reflects the era of the pagan state. The central figure here is Khan Asparuh. The "Gallery of the Khans" leads to the second hall, in which the rulers Tervel, Krum and Omurtag are immortalized. The second hall symbolizes the "Golden Age" of Christian Bulgaria. In the center of the sculptural composition is Tsar Simeon. Multicolored mosaic panels interpret the themes of the baptism of the Bulgarians and the mission of Cyril and Methodius and their students. The monument is crowned with a granite sculpture of a lion, symbolizing the spirit and power of the Bulgarians throughout the centuries.

The site is included in the list of the One Hundred National Tourist Sites.