Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Excavations resumed at the Thracian sanctuary after a 15-year hiatus

Archaeologists unearth large cult complex near the grave of Orpheus by the village of Tatul

The Thracian sanctuary of Orpheus near the village of Tatul.
Photo: Anelia Kryndeva

After a 15-year hiatus, excavations have resumed at the Thracian sanctuary of Orpheus near the village of Tatul. They were financed by the municipality of Momchilgrad with 11 250 euros, reports BNR-Kardzhali. 

"The site near Tatul has been functioning since ancient times. Over the years, we have managed to explore the part located around a large rock with a carved sarcophagus," said archaeologist Nikolai Ovcharov, who led the research. He noted that the great Bulgarian archaeologist prof. Ivan Venedikov had a hypothesis that this was the grave of Orpheus, which was later proven during the excavations.
Nikolay Ovcharov (left) and his team have resumed excavations of the Thracian sanctuary of Orpheus near the village of Tatul.
Currently, the expedition is exploring a hill a hundred meters from the rock tomb of Orpheus. According to one testimony from the early 20th century, there were remains of a medieval church there. Today, archaeologists came across walls that testify to the presence of a large cult complex. In the course of the excavation they will be able to better estimate its size.

Every year tens of thousands of tourists visit the historic site associated with the name of the mythical Orpheus. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Cuman settlement discovered near fortress of Ryahovets in Gorna Oryahovitsa

Archaeologists from the Historical Museum in the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa have discovered a settlement of the Cumans this summer during the excavations of a medieval necropolis east of the Thracian fortress of Rykhovets near the town of Gorna..

published on 7/21/24 11:40 AM

Archaeological discoveries near Lovech unequivocally reveal the roots of European civilization in Bulgarian lands

Not far from the town of Lovech, between the villages of Doirentsi and Drenov, during the construction of the future route of the Hemus motorway, a seven-thousand-year-old pit sanctuary surrounded by a ritual ditch was discovered . Its exploration began..

published on 7/20/24 11:05 AM

20 July is St. Elijah’s Day – Ilinden

On one of the hottest days of summer, 20 July, the Christian Orthodox church honours the prophet Elijah. Many churches around the country have been named after the Old Testament prophet. According to the bible, Elijah lived in the 9 th century BC...

published on 7/20/24 7:10 AM