Iskra Historical Museum

The Iskra Historical Museum in the city of Kazanlak ranks among the oldest, richest, and most famous regional museums in Bulgaria. Founded in 1901 by the patriotic local citizen Petar Topuzov, today the museum stands as a leading institution for preserving, researching, and promoting the vast cultural heritage of the Kazanlak region. The museums archive houses over 50 000 original exhibits reflecting the material and spiritual culture of the area from deep antiquity to modern times. The museum protects and manages all archaeological monuments in the region, including the magnificent Thracian tombs that earned the area its global reputation as the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Its treasures are organized across several specialized departments. Main Departments and Museum Exhibitions Archaeology Department and Treasury Hall The archaeological collection traces human civilization through the Neolithic (New Stone Age), the Chalcolithic (Copper Age), and the Early Bronze Age. Visitors can explore: - Unique hand-made pottery, bead jewelry, rings, bracelets, and various ancient pendants. - The largest collection of prehistoric bone sickles in Southeastern Europe. - Rare artifacts from the Roman era and the Middle Ages, including discoveries from the medieval necropolis and settlement near the town of Kran. The department showcases findings from the extensive excavations of the ancient Thracian capital of Seuthopolis (studied between 1948 and 1956 during the construction of the Koprinka Reservoir), alongside artifacts from the world-famous Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (discovered on April 19, 1944). The specially secured Treasury Hall displays elite gold, silver, and bronze masterpieces discovered within the burial mounds near Kazanlak (such as Golyamata Kosmatka, the Maglizh Tomb, and others). The absolute highlight of the exhibition is the unique golden laurel wreath belonging to the Thracian king Seuthes III, alongside his bronze helmet, greaves, complete silver and gold horse trappings, and a premium collection of ancient coins. National Revival and Ethnography Department This exhibition illustrates the traditional lifestyle, crafts, and culture of the local Bulgarian population during the 18th and 19th centuries. The ethnographic collection features exquisite traditional jewelry, authentic regional folk costumes, and everyday items that highlight the golden era of local craftsmanship and rose oil production. Modern History Department This section covers the history of the city and its surrounding territory from 1889 to 1944. Highlights of great tourist interest include archival photographs, personal documents, medals, and orders from the conflicts of the 20th century. The museum proudly preserves invaluable musical assets, including the original score of the very first Bulgarian opera, Siromahkinya, composed by Emanuil Manolov (premiered in Kazanlak in 1900), as well as original music sheets by another legendary Bulgarian composer, Academician Petko Staynov. Contemporary History Department This exposition focuses on the recent history of the valley and honors the participation of the legendary 23rd Shipka Infantry Regiment in World War II. Visitors can also explore a detailed photographic display documenting the massive engineering and construction history of the Koprinka Dam, located just 7 km from the city of Kazanlak.