Madarskiyat konnik /The Madara Horseman/

The Madara national historical-archeological reserve is situated at a distance of 15 km from the town of Shumen and about 8 km from the Tcherno more /Black Sea/ highway. It spans over the foot and part of the Madara plateau, ending to the west in picturesque steep rocks.

The territory of the reserve is studded with archeological monuments from all historical ages beginning from the 4-th millennium BC. That was why Madara was called “The Bulgarian Troy” by its first explorers. The area was inhabited by Thracians and Romans and was an important center during the First and Second Bulgarian Kingdoms.

The most famous monument in the reserve is the unique bas-relief of Madarskiyat Konnik – horseman hewn into the high rocks at a high of 23 m. The bas-relief is a masterpiece of early medieval Bulgarian art. The rider, the horse, the lion, pierced by spear and the loyal dog following the horseman represent a victorious scene, symbolizing the triumphant Bulgarian king and power of the consolidating young kingdom fighting against Byzantine influence.

The cut in the rock relief is surrounded by inscriptions – a precious epigraph source for the historical events during the rule of Khans – Tervel (701-717), Kormisosh (around 756) and Omurtag (814-831).

The Madara Horseman is the only rock bas-relief in Europe. In 1972 it was included in the UNESKO list of world protected monuments.

Madara is historical-archeological reserve and place of interest not only as tourist sight but also because of the exceptionally beautiful natural scenery.

Museum Association “Itineraries of cultural tourism – Eastern Bulgaria” 2004