Heritage Sites can be anything. Right from amazing landscapes to a burial ground. That is absolutely the best part about visiting the World Heritage Site. And apart from sightseeing and exploration, these places also give the best of knowledge and facts about our past tradition and culture. Such a trip ensures to give an insight into how we evolved throughout the centuries and emerged as a superior race. With the best of architecture, symbolic monuments and religious structures say a lot about the art and culture of the people. And today we will be looking at one of the rare, unique and wonderful Heritage sites which are listed in UNESCO. The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is one of the most intriguing tourist spots in northern Bulgaria and also our topic of interest!
Let’s get to know more about the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari.
About the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is a burial area from the 3rd century BC. It was discovered in 1982 in the isolated site of Sveshtari village. This tomb gave an avid knowledge about how the structure of the Thracian cult played an important role in the cultural aspects. We have already looked into one similar heritage site if the place- The Thracian tomb of Kazanlak. However, the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is completely different from the latter.
This structure is a combination of a half-human structure with a half-plant polychrome structure. The mural painting also exhibits the best of the art and artistic eminence of the 3rd century Thracians.
Also Read: Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak-The Offbeat WHS Of Bulgaria
History of Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari has been preserved well all these years. The existence of the tomb traces back to the 3rd century BC. It represents Thracian architecture and the artistic skills in mural paintings. Also, the tomb gives us an insight into the culture and tradition of Getes. The local art gives testimony to the wonderful. Now the biggest question lays on how to protect the structure from getting ruined. Remember the structures are from the 3rd century? Hence few of the structures from the site are preserved in the archeological department. The property is well protected concealed from any changes and modernity.
The place soon gained popularity and tourist started visiting the place to know more about the rare heritage site. The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Protection and management that keeps the place Intact!
We learned how well the archeological site or the tomb is preserved. However, protection, perseverance and management are taken care of by various authorities under several laws. The site is inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cultural Heritage Law acts for research and promotion purposes to resolve the existing issues. Also the law research and looks into any issues that can hamper the structure in the future and rectify it.
The instructions of the ministry take care of the architecture, protects the immovable property as a cultural heritage. While the Spatial Planning Act looks into planning and urbanization without letting the modernization affect the heritage site.
The structural significance of the tomb
The Tomb was located 11 meters under the ground. It was found when a team from the archaeology department was digging the site for some other purpose. It was too hard for new people to explore inside the tomb without a professional guide or a local. Also, the place cannot accommodate several people at a time. Tourist has to wait till their turn comes in to explore underneath the burial ground. Ever since the site was discovered, many other burial mounds were discovered from the site. However, most of the burial places were empty.
The original Thracian tomb was made of sand that lies open. After the excavation, the tombs are covered as a protected place. The mural painting looks a little dull however to maintain the original, no other colors have been painted on it yet!
Best time to visit and other things that need to consider
We have already read about the climate of Bulgaria and how beautiful it is throughout the year. That is why tourists least bother about the climate or other factors when they have many amazing tourist spots to explore. However, there are few things that you need to keep in mind while visiting the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari. Firstly hire a cab to travel which will allow you to explore nearby places with hurdles. Also, book your tickets prior to the visit to get the right slot at right time. However, inside the tomb, you need to be fast and quick while exploring. Or else the alarm will go off to get out from the tomb.
Also, make sure you don’t click any pictures inside the burial as it is strictly prohibited. However, there are two more tombs near the main one, where you can go and explore as much as you want and click some wonderful pictures too.
Also Read: Visit The Ancient European Country-Bulgaria
Bulgaria has become a hotspot tourist destination. European architecture, landscapes, minarets, cathedrals and some wonderful sites make it the most visited place. Bulgaria also has several UNESCO World Heritage Site. To visit them is an experience worth living. So, till you wonder which site to visit first it’s a bye from me!
Bon Voyage!
