The Thracian tomb of Kazanlak was discovered by accident in 1944 beneath a huge mound. It is located near remains of the historical city of Seutopolis, the capital of the Thracian king Seutes III, and is part of a large Thracian necropolis. The tomb is made of bricks, while the entire building is covered with stone pieces from the outside. It has a narrow corridor and a round burial chamber. What makes it a part of the world’s cultural heritage are its murals representing Thracian burial rituals and culture. These paintings, covering 40 square meters, are Bulgaria''s best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period.
Within the burial chamber, a central place is taken by the painting of a burial feast. One can distinguish a renowned Thracian king and his wife in the middle of the composition, surrounded by slaves, maids and musicians. Another wall-painting of a smaller size that depicts a dynamic cart race occupies the upper part of the dome. Both frescoes are extremely realistic and of high artistic value.
After its discovery, the tomb was covered by a special protective construction, equipped with an air conditioning system aimed to preserve the valuable paintings. Nearby the tomb, tourists can visit its precise copy that is open to visitors during the day all around the year.
