The Aleksandrovo Tomb in the village of Aleksandrovo

The Aleksandrovo Tomb was discovered in 2000, during excavations of the Roshava Chuka (“Rockpile Peak”) Thracian burial mound, which is located in the western part of Aleksandrovo village, roughly 20 km from the city of Haskovo. This Thracian tomb is one of the most important archeological discoveries ever made in Bulgaria.

It was built during the second half of the 4th century BCE as a final resting place for a wealthy Thracian ruler whose name is not known.

The frescoes in the tomb are unique and relatively well preserved. The tomb’s architecture is also remarkable. The Roshava Chuka burial mound is approximately 15 meters high, with a diameter of 70 meters. The tomb has a 15-meter corridor, and its entrance is to the east. The corridor leads to a rectangular chamber that is 1.92 meters by 1.5 meters. Beyond this chamber, there is another circular chamber with a diameter of 3.3 meters and a height of 3.4 meters. The chamber’s arch is bell-shaped and begins from the chamber floor. At the southern periphery, there is a stone couch that was already vandalized in antiquity.

It is thought that the tomb had two periods of use, since there are two floor levels in the circular chamber – one made of stone blocks and the other of tamped-down clay.

The Aleksandrovo Tomb is one of the largest complexes of its type, and its unique frescoes on a variety of subjects cover the whole tomb, from the corridors to both burial chambers.

The most complex of the frescoes are in the circular chamber. They are arranged in six horizontal strips of different heights, on top of the other. Most of the images depict hunting scenes.

In 2009, The Museum of Thracian Art in the Eastern Rhodopes was opened in the immediate vicinity of the tomb, with the financial assistance of the Japanese government. Prince Akishino of Japan and Bulgaria’s President Georgi Parvanov were both present at the dedication of the museum complex. There is an exact replica of the Aleksandrovo Tomb in the museum, which unlike the original tomb is easily accessible to visitors.

To reach the tomb, take the road from the village of Aleksandrovo in the direction of Simeonovgrad. At the Aleksandrovo village limits, there is a sign directing visitors to take the right-hand turn to the tomb.

Tourist information center – Haskovo

Monday – Friday: 8:30 – 17:00

1A Georgi S. Rakovski Blvd.

Tel .: +359 38 666 444

E-mail: tourism.haskovo@gmail.com
 op_tic@haskovo.bg
Website: https://visithaskovo.com/en/home/

The Aleksandrovo Museum Center for Thracian Art

tel: +359 38 666444
Website: www.alexandrovo.com