The Kazanlak Thracian tomb was found in 1944. The tomb and its paintings date back to the 4th century BC. The structure is a true masterpiece of Thracian architecture and painting. Apparently, a noble Thracian was buried here. In ancient times the tomb was looted. When the tomb was found in 1944, the remains of a man and a woman, as well as horse bones, clay vessels, funeral wreaths, pieces of gold jewellery and a small silver jug were discovered.
The tomb consists of a vestibule, a corridor and a round-domed tomb chamber. The floor and the lower part of the rooms are plastered and painted in black, red and white colours. The vault of the tomb is decorated with frescoes depicting a Thracian memorial meal: a Thracian man and his wife bidding farewell to each other, surrounded by servants and musicians. At the bottom and top of the fresco is a decorative frieze depicting chariots, warriors and horsemen.
It is not only the skill of the ancient artist, but also the harmony of composition and decorative motifs in combination with the architectural form of the entire structure that is amazing.
The Kazanlak tomb is part of the so-called Valley of the Thracian Kings, a complex of temples and tombs located in the neighbourhood. In 1979, the Kazanlak Tomb was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
