Дуранкулак-Големия остров, Archaeological site on Big Island, Durankulak, Bulgaria
Дуранкулак-Големия остров is an archaeological site on Big Island in Lake Durankulak in northeastern Bulgaria, where excavations have uncovered over a thousand burial sites and the remains of ancient dwellings. The island sits close to the Romanian border and can be reached across the shallow lake.
Settlement on the island began around 9,000 years ago, when early communities moved into this part of what is now Bulgaria. Over the centuries, the community grew and built more solid structures, developing into a larger, organized settlement.
Objects found here show that some people held a special rank within their community. Gold figurines and copper items were placed with specific individuals, pointing to social differences in this early society.
The site is in a remote area of northeastern Bulgaria, not far from the Romanian border, so it is worth checking access conditions before visiting. Guided visits may be available, and planning the trip in advance makes the journey easier.
Among the finds are some of Europe's oldest known stone-built homes, dated to around 6,700 years ago. These houses had several rooms and were unusually large for their time, suggesting the community put careful thought into how they organized their living space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
