Thracian tomb Golyama Arsenalka

Thracian tomb Golyama Arsenalka is a chamber tomb built from stone in the Balkan Mountains near Shipka, with rooms carved deep into the rocky hillside. The structure features carefully constructed burial passages with a central doorway and a stone sleeping platform for the deceased.

The tomb dates from the 5th century BC and represents burial practices of the Thracians, an ancient people of the region. Excavations uncovered valuable items including gold objects and other burial goods, pointing to the wealth and status of the person interred there.

The tomb reflects burial customs of Thracian nobility, visible in how the stone chambers and interior spaces were arranged for the deceased. These design choices show how this civilization honored their most important members.

Access to the site follows marked paths from the parking area that lead visitors to the tomb and surrounding grounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain is uneven and some sections involve climbing on slopes and stone surfaces.

The tomb features a double-door system at the chamber entrance, demonstrating engineering skill that was advanced for its time. Such dual closure systems are rarely found in other graves from this period.