The MADARA Horseman

The Madara National Preserve is situated 17 km
from the town of Shoumen. A range of cliffs show
signs of human presence dating back to the III
century B.C. The most famous sight here is a		 The Madara Horseman map
Madarski Konnik
mysterious bas-relief known as the "Madara Horseman". Interesting about the relief is the fact that it is carved into the rockface at a height of 25m above the ground. The details are apparent by sunlight because the monument is so eroded. The carving is said to represent a horseman who is trampling a lion. He holds a pike in one hand and a wine cup in the other. There is a god behind the rider. There are inscriptions around the image of the Rider, which are written in old Greek language and telling about some Bulgarian rulers. The oldest inscription mentions the name of the Bulgarian Khan Tervel - probably the relief was carved in VIII c. There are different oppinions what the relief represents. The Rider of Madara is a unique example of the Bulgarian mediaeval art. It is included in the UNESCO list of cultural monuments with world significance.

Text contributed by Lilia Todorova

Monasteries
Treasures
Thracian tombs
World's oldest gold
  l The Madara horseman
Old Bulgarian Capitals
Museum towns
Old fortresses








    Near to the relief is the
Large Cave, beneath a giant
overhang of rock. Beyond is
a smaller cave where some
pottery and bones were dis-
covered. Remains from rock
monasteries, Thracian period
statues and other medieval
ruins can be found in this area.

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