For history enthusiasts looking to discover artifacts of national and international significance, the Maritsa-Iztok Archaeological Museum in Radnevo is a must-visit destination. Established in 1992, the museum preserves an invaluable cultural heritage uncovered through extensive rescue excavations across the Radnevo region. History and Archaeological Excavations Over the decades, museum researchers have registered more than 250 archaeological sites and thoroughly excavated 54 of them. The discoveries include ancient settlement mounds, Thracian burial mounds, necropolises, pit complexes, fortresses, and early Christian basilicas. The museum’s vast collection features finds from the territory of Galabovo and neighboring villages, including Mednikarovo, Iskritsa, Polski Gradets, Madrets, Glavan, Znamenosets, and Kovachevo. Key Exhibition Highlights & Treasures The museum guides visitors on a captivating journey through time, spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages: - Chalcolithic & Bronze Age: The earliest exhibits date back to the Copper Age near Galabovo, showcasing bone female figurines used in spiritual rituals and rare "cult tables." Unique gold and silver jewelry from the Early Bronze Age has no known counterparts in Bulgaria, alongside late-Bronze Age jugs decorated with white chalk. - Antiquity & Greek Imports: Highlights include an imported ancient Greek kylix (drinking cup), silver Roman coin hoards, and delicate glass balsamaria discovered in a burial mound near Madrets. - Roman Luxury & Gold: Rare gold jewelry from the Roman era found near Madrets was featured at the prestigious "Europalia 2002" exhibition in Brussels. Visitors can also admire grave goods from a masonry tomb in Mednikarovo, including earrings and a ring engraved with the name "Theodora." - Medieval Collection: The collection features bronze and glass bracelets, bronze crosses, and finely crafted sgraffito ceramics. Research & Publications The museum functions as a vibrant academic hub, hosting scientific conferences and publishing specialized historical volumes, including 7 volumes of "Maritsa-Iztok. Archaeological Research." Useful Visitor Information - Address: 2A Al. Stamboliyski Str., Radnevo, Bulgaria - Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM - Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Stara Zagora
0.1 km away
Sliven
23.6 km away
Stara Zagora
29.6 km away
Archeological museum Maritsa Iztok is located in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
Archeological museum Maritsa Iztok is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Archeological museum Maritsa Iztok can be visited year-round. Verify current opening hours directly with the museum before your visit, as schedules change seasonally and on public holidays.
Opening hours and admission fees vary, and most Bulgarian museums close one day per week (commonly Monday). Verify current schedules and prices directly with the museum or the local tourist information office before visiting Archeological museum Maritsa Iztok, especially on public holidays.
