Български
English
Тhe Ostrushka Burial Mound is located near the city of Shipka. In 1993, archeologists unearthed a cultic burial complex of great artistic and historical worth containing coins and other artifacts that date from the 4th century BC.
The monumental complex has six chambers. The southern entrance opens onto the central “hub” that provides access to the other three chambers located north of it. The chamber to the right is round and covered by a cupola. The other chambers lack a monolithic tomb and are built of skillfully crafted granite blocks set at right angles. The southwestern chamber is square. Metal objects used to sacrifice a horse were found in this chamber.
A mound of equestrian trappings was found in the northwestern corner of the chamber – a headpiece in the form of two stylized axes and a three-dimensional gryphon’s head together with six silver nabuznitsi (helmet attachments). All are richly ornamented with plant and animal figures.
Availability for visits: Paid, all year round, available guide. Guides at the Great Burial Mound of Kosmatka offer tours in Bulgarian, English, German, and Spanish.
Transport accessibility: From Kazanlak, take the road to the north in the direction of Shipka, and turn left at the Great Kosmatka Burial Mound. Staff at this site offer excursions to the Ostrushka Tomb.
Tourist infrastructure: hotel, Тourist Information Centre
