Тhe unique monument of Thracian culture

We will tell you about one of the most impressive and best preserved Thracian tombs in the Bulgarian lands. Sveshtari Tomb is located near the village of Sveshtari, Isperih Municipality, 42 km from Razgrad. It is part of the historical and archaeological reserve “Sboryanovo”, covering the western part of the Ludogorsko plateau, between the villages of Sveshtari and Malak Porovets. The reserve includes several ancient mounds and necropolises, the remains of an ancient Thracian city and the Muslim sanctuary – Demir Baba Teke.

The historical and archaeological reservation of Sboryanovo covers the territory in the west part of Ludogorsko Plateau, along the river valley of Krapinets river, between the villages of Malak Porovets and Sveshtari in the Municipality of Isperih. It is a unique complex consisting of settlements, temples, and necropolises dating back to the Antiquity. It was declared a historical and archaeological reservation by resolution of the Council of Ministers No 19 of 08 December 1988. Until the present day, over 140 archaeological sites have been registered dating back to various historical periods.

The most significant find on the territory of the historical and archaeological reservation of Sboryanovo is the Sveshtarska Thracian Royal Tomb. It was found in 1982 during excavations at Mound No 7 of the East Mound Necropolis of Sboryanovo (Ginina Mogila). It was constructed in the first quarter of the 3rd century BC and represents a unique monument of the Thracian tomb architecture. It has a significant size. Its length is 7.5 m, its width at the facade is 6.5 m, and the height of the tomb chamber (on the inside) is 4.45 m. The tomb was constructed by large limestone blocks. It consists of a dromos (corridor) and three premises-chambers, as each chamber is covered by an individual arch.
The tomb decoration is within the spirit of the Hellenistic culture but it is transformed through the vision and beliefs of the Getae (a Thracian tribe). The body of the deceased ruler was laid in the chamber. The unfinished decoration on the walls and the ceiling shows that he had died before his eternal home was completed. The chamber ceiling is held by statues of women with raised hands – caryatids, whose faces and hairs still preserve the remains of colorful decoration. A scene of divinization of the ruler is presented on the ceiling.
Due to its remarkable architecture and its artistic decoration, the Sveshtarska tomb is included in the list of global cultural inheritance of UNESCO of 1985.

In addition to many other mounds, the remains of Thracian cities from the same time when the Thracian culture flourished have been found in the area. Probably one of them served as the capital where the ruler buried in this tomb lived. If you are interested in history, this place will surely arouse your interest.

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