Uncover the mystery of Hlyabovo’s ancient dolmens in the Haskovo region. These structures form the most extensive collection in the Sakar mountain range and beyond. Despite many being destroyed, the survivors offer a fascinating peek into history. Explore the enduring legacy of these remarkable dolmens with us.
In Hlyabovo village lies a hidden treasure of ancient history. Seven majestic dolmens dot this scenic landscape, each telling its own story. These relatively intact monuments showcase the area’s rich heritage. Discover the charm of Gaidarov Dolap, Slavova Koriya, Evdzhika, and Byalata Treva as you journey through their captivating sites.
Tsarshi Dolmen
About 4 km west of the village, in the Nachevi Cheiri region near Bulgarska Polyana road, a mesmerizing three-chamber dolmen invites exploration.
The Tsarski Dolmen, nestled within Byalata Treva, stands as Southeastern Europe’s best-preserved dolmen. This megalithic marvel dates back to the Early Iron Age (around 1050 – 500 BC). Markers and a path lead you directly to this awe-inspiring site.
Another archaeological treasure awaits about 3.5 km south of Hlyabovo village in Byalata Treva. Among the largest and best-preserved in the Sakar Mountains, this dolmen has drawn significant research interest. Prof. Fol’s team documented this site in 1973.
The entrance of the Dolmen showcases three central slabs on its right facade wall, echoing the height of the dromos seen in the Nachevi Cheiri and Kupanov Dolap dolmens. Two slabs align to the east of the entrance, and the third, turned to face outward, lies to the west.
Nachevi Chairi
Step into the mystical Nachevi Chaiiri, a land rich with history and wonder. Here, a captivating dolmen stands, telling timeless stories to inspire visitors.
Just 1.5 km west of Hlyabovo village, the Golyam Rut dolmen’s entrance beckons. Prof. Alexander Fol first recorded it in 1973. His team’s thorough research appears in “Thracian Monuments.” Excavations in 1974 exposed the interior chambers and parts of the dromos. Further digs in 1976 revealed more details, including the facade wall and an adjoining second dolmen with intact burial remains.
Kupanov Dolap
In the Kupanov Dolap, you will find the breathtaking Gaidarovа Cave dolmen, located 1.5 km southwest of the village of Hlyabovo, on the slope of the right bank of the Duandere River. Prof. Fol’s expedition first visited this dolmen in 1974 and returned in 1976. During both visits, small-scale excavations uncovered abundant ceramic materials within and in front of the dolmen.
Dolmen Evdzhika
The dolmen in the area of Evdzhika is a unique rock-cut chamber resembling a dolmen, slightly inclined at its top. First discovered and published in 1901 by Georgi Bonchev, the Dolmen-like structure features a frontal opening with a slab, now missing. A slab at the frontal opening is typical for rock-cut chamber dolmens in the Strandzha-Sakar region.
Stoeva Krusha
The archaeological site of Stoeva Krusha lies south of the village of Hlyabovo, southwest of Avdzhika. Here, the remains of a large, ruined megalithic structure (likely a dolmen) can be observed. Above ground, you can see the tops of vertically embedded slabs with rounded edges, typical for local dolmens but could also be elements of a wall.
As you journey through these mesmerizing landscapes, allow yourself to be captivated by the secrets whispered by the Hlyabovo dolmens in Bulgaria. Their tales of a time long past resonate with the beauty of human history, reminding us of the rich cultural tapestry that connects us all.
