Bulgaria is recognised as one of the key countries by the World Register of Historical Sites created by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Nine recognised sites include two nature reserves and seven cultural sites. UNESCO was founded on 16 November 1945 after the Second World War. The World Register was established in 1972, with Bulgaria being one of the 20 joint countries participating.
The Bulgarian World Hertiage Site Series by Kate Oakley will look at Heritage Sites throughout Bulgaria, bringing to you exciting and unusual places to visit.
Recent changes in Eastern Europe has brought much of the treasures of Bulgaria to the attention of the world; nature parks, Thracian tombs in Kazanlak and Sveshtari, the Horseman of Madara, the Church at Boyana – Sofia, Rock Monasteries in Ivanovo, the Rila Monastery, Old Nesebar, the Nature Reserve at Sreburna and the Pirin National Park, Bulgaria has much to offer both culturally and as a holiday resort.
Thracian tomb – Kazanlak
The Thracian tomb at Kazanlak dates back to the 4th century B.C. Upon encountering the tomb, it appears like a corridor and is approximately 1.95m in length, 1.12m in width and 2.24m in height, which leads to a domed tomb, 3.25m in height and 2.65m in diameter at the base. You don’t really get a feeling of its dome shape until you enter the centre of it.
Forming part of the Hellenistic period, the tomb is located near Seutopolis, the ancient city of the Thracian King Seutes III and was discovered in 1944. Made of brick, the building was used by other conquering forces such as the Romans. Brick and clay form the basis of this beautiful site, where paintings from the Hellenistic period tell stories of ancient Thracian rituals and culture.
The famous mural in the tomb covers an area of up to 40 square meters, exquisitely painted in wet fresco and tempera. Upon entering the tomb from its South facing entrance, you are captivated by its beauty and imagination of the murals that remain a unique feature in Bulgaria and throughout the world.
Visually striking, the mural paints a vivid picture of life in 4th century BC in ancient Bulgaria; scenes of battles and day to day living, funeral processions, chariots, horses, the Thracian ruler and his consort along with details of the armoury and clothes worn during that era.
Painted by an unknown painter, the tomb at Kazanlak is highly original. There really seems to be no comparison to its artistry according to experts. When compared to Greek art (as that is the closest comparison), the depictions in the tomb at Kazanlak is much more fluid.
Even the battle scenes are very different in their composition to the way that Greek artists showed battle scenes. According to archaeologists, the tomb at Kazanlak shows no heroic scenes but the painter has focused on different kinds of groups, illustrating the kinds of clothes worn, weapons carried – these are painted in great detail.
The murals at Kazanlak gives us an insight into what was important to the ruling class at that time; political achievement over battles won – which sets this mural apart from the classic Greek interpretation of mythological settings of battles and wars.
The murals in the tomb are intact and the colours remain vibrant to this day. Vivid scenes and incredible details of the murals at the Thracian tomb at Kazanlak have ensured a popularity which is enjoyed by both families and students of archaeology.
These images are provided by Nenko Lazarov - Images From Bulgaria
