Episode BG32. The Madara Horseman – Europe’s Only Cliff Relief
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
The Madara Horseman is the only rock relief of its kind in Europe – carved high into a cliff, 23 meters above the ground, near the village of Madara. It represents a rider in a realistic style, pierced by a lion, followed by a dog, and is an outstanding example of early medieval art. It impresses not only for its scale and the technique of its workmanship, but also for the fact that it is located in a place considered sacred since the time of the Thracians. It has been preserved as a unique vestige of early Bulgarian statehood and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer👆
0:00 – Intro Channel trailer
0:19 – Series Intro
1:29 – To the Caves
5:00 – Cleft
5:32 – Small Cave
6:41 – Large Cave
7:46 – Rock Chapel “St. Pantaleimon”
9:36 – Madara Horseman
12:24 – Rock staircase with 386 steps
14:26 – Matora Fortress
16:44 – Final Thoughts
💡 Other interesting places nearby:
BG31. Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
BG33. Medieval Pliska – Bulgaria’s First Capital
BG34. Khan Krum Rock Monastery and the Hesychasm Teaching
BG35. The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery
BG36. The Legend of the Great and Small Veil near Nevsha
BG37. NRPI “Shumen Fortress” – Discover the Secrets of the Middle Ages!
👉 References to other episodes:
None
📌 What will we look at in this article?
📝 Episode Summary
🔥 The most interesting moments
⭐ Location assessment
✅ Final conclusion
📝 Brief summary of the episode
The relief was created in the early 8th century and probably depicts Khan Tervel – according to inscriptions in Greek under the rock scene. Traces of ancient shrines, votive tablets and rock niches have also been found around it. The whole area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and later became an important cult and defence centre. The horseman himself cannot be reached directly, but from a special platform an excellent view is offered. The site has been restored and secured, with landscaped walkways and a route to the remains of the fortress up on the plateau.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
The place combines history, religion and mythology. Apart from the relief itself, there are paths that lead past several rock niches and caves used by the Thracians for sacrifices and rituals. Access to the site is organised along two routes – one steep, the other easier, passing through the forest and turning off towards the old sanctuary. Along the way, symbols of ancient faith, traces of early writing and monuments related to Bulgarian statehood are revealed. High above is the fortress of Matora, which offers a panorama of the plain.
The episode features the Madara Horseman, the only rock relief of its type in Europe, carved in the 8th century. Two routes to the site are presented – a steep one and a more gentle one, the latter also passing through several caves with traces of Thracian cult practices and votive tablets. Attention is paid to the historical layers – from the Thracians and Proto-Bulgarians to the Byzantine inscriptions and the cult of Tangra. Details of the bas-relief are also described: a rider, a lion, a dog, an eagle, as well as the connections with Khan Tervel and Omurtag. The climb up to the fortress of Matora, from which a panorama of the plateau is revealed, is also shown. The finale ends with practical information on tickets, access and opening times.
⭐ Location assessment
The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1/5 – Very bad, 2/5 – Bad, 3/5 – Average, 4/5 – Good, 5/5 – Excellent)
| Criterion | Personal impression | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility 🚗 |
There is an asphalt road to the entrance with a separate parking lot at the foot. The driveway to the site is maintained and accessible to all. | ★★★★★ |
| History 📜 |
The place is unique in that here is the only rock bas-relief in Europe – created in the VIII century. Thracian, Proto-Bulgarian and Byzantine traces are interwoven. | ★★★★★ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The bas-relief is considerably dilapidated with lost details and traces of old research that have further compromised its integrity. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
There is an ecotoilet and restaurants at the entrance, but the facilities are unimpressive. | ★★★★☆ |
| Price 💰 |
The ticket for adults is BGN 5, which is quite reasonable for a cultural site of this scale and importance. | ★★★★★ |
★★★★☆
✅ Conclusion
The Madara Horseman is not just a relic of the past, but a place of deep spiritual and historical significance. It is easy to get to, but you cannot climb up the platform. The paths are well maintained. The site boasts a car park which is on the street itself with a designated area for visitors. The relief itself is set high in the cliff and cannot be reached at close range, but the observation deck offers an excellent view. There are ample benches, which offer relaxation and time for reflection. The Madara Horseman is the only rock relief in Europe – an imposing image carved directly into the rock that has withstood time and preserves the memory of an age of mystery and symbolism. If you’re looking for a place where the past is carved in stone and the atmosphere speaks without words – this is it.
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