Thracian Dome Tomb at the Village of Mezek
Nestled at the foot of the Eastern Rhodopes, just 7 km west of Svilengrad, the picturesque village of Mezek holds centuries of history within its modest borders.
Despite its small size, it is home to two of Bulgaria’s most significant cultural heritage sites – a Thracian dome tomb dating to the 4th century BC and a medieval fortress from the 11th–12th centuries.
A Discovery Marked by Chance
The story begins on the winter night of January 18, 1931. Three locals, driven by curiosity and superstitious beliefs, began digging into the “Mal Tepe” mound, locally known as the Imaginary Mound.
Rather than gold or treasure, they unearthed a bronze figure of a satyr and a vessel shaped like a flower cup – parts of an exquisite bronze candelabrum. Encouraged by the finds, they continued digging and soon encountered the entrance to an underground structure – a tomb.
Overwhelmed by fear of the dark, mysterious chamber, they retreated. One of them alerted the mayor, who came to the site accompanied by local teacher Angel Zapryanov and several villagers.
With lanterns in hand, they stepped inside, becoming the first modern visitors to set foot in the ancient tomb.
The Beginning of the Archaeological Research
Two days after the discovery, by sheer coincidence, Prof. Georgi Danailov visited the area. Recognizing the exceptional scientific value of the site, he insisted that the National Museum in Sofia be informed immediately.
In response, on January 24, Prof. Bogdan Filov, Dr. Ivan Velkov, and Dr. Alexander Rashenov – renowned scholars and museum representatives – arrived to assess the discovery.
The very next day, the newspaper Zora published the news, sparking national interest.
That spring, the first systematic archaeological work commenced, starting with the clearing of the entrance and drilling, which revealed two undisturbed graves beneath the tomb’s floor.
Excavations continued from June to August, expanding the research area and allowing for detailed documentation of the remarkable discovery.
Architectural Perfection in the Bowels of the Mound
ГThe tomb lies beneath a massive burial mound containing over 50,000 cubic meters of earth, rising 15 meters high and spanning 90 meters in diameter. It is encircled by a crepida – a 5-meter-thick stone retaining wall covered with monolithic slabs.
The structure is oriented entirely to the east and constructed from finely cut stone blocks, some up to 2 meters long. These were laid without mortar and secured using iron brackets.
The architectural layout includes:
- A long entrance corridor (dromos) measuring 20.65 meters, covered with a gabled vault and floored with stone slabs
- Two successive rectangular antechambers
- A central burial chamber with a circular plan and a beehive-shaped dome, reaching a height of 4.30 meters
Within the main chamber, a stone funerary bed and two urns are prominently displayed. The room was originally sealed with bronze doors mounted from the inside.
The total length of the tomb reaches nearly 30 meters, making it one of the most impressive Thracian tombs ever discovered in Bulgaria.
Photographer Dimitar Chokorov
Treasures of the Spirit and the Hand
In 1968, the tomb was declared a monument of culture of national importance – an acknowledgment not only of its historical value but also of its remarkable architecture and artistic merit.
Among the most notable finds are:
- Gold jewelry: rosettes, earrings, appliqués, and strings, along with a silver-plated breastplate
- A unique bronze candelabrum featuring a finely detailed figure of a dancing satyr
- Numerous clay and bronze vessels
- The most spectacular artifact: a life-size bronze boar weighing 177 kilograms
These discoveries illuminate the lifestyle, artistry, and funerary customs of the Thracians – a civilization whose legacy remains deeply rooted in the cultural memory of modern-day Bulgarians.
Prices
Please contact one of our representatives for information about the prices of the various attractions on site.
Contact
Opening Hours:
Summer
(01.05. – 31.10.2025г.)
9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Winter
(01.11. – 30.04.2025 г.)
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM