The Sboryanovo Historical and Archeological Reserve

The Sboryanovo Historical and Archeological Reserve is situated in the western part of the Ludogorsko Plateau along the banks of the Krapinets River, between the villages of Malak Porovets and Sveshtari, in the Isperih Administrative Region.

It is a unique complex of age-old villages, sanctuaries, and necropolises. The site was declared an official historical-archeological reserve by Decision 19 of the Ministry Council taken on December 8, 1988.

As of the present, the complex has registered more than 140 archeological sites from different historical eras. The most interesting of these are The Sveshtari Necropolis, the Islamic tomb of Demer Baba, a fortified Thracian city, the Thracian sanctuary Kamen Rid (Rocky Heights), and a Medieval village near the small settlement Byuven.

The most noteworthy discovery in the complex is the Sveshtari Tomb, a Thracian kingТs sanctuary and necropolis. It was unearthed in 1982 during excavations of Burial Mound є7 at the Sboryanova Eastern Necropolis Mound (The Ginina Necropolis). Built in the 3rd century BCE, it occupies a unique place in Thracian tomb architecture. Thanks to its remarkable architectural and aesthetic features, this site was included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1985.

The Tomb of Demir Baba was built at the beginning of the 17th century, but the site had been venerated by a number of inhabitants and tribes for more than 2000 years before that. Of the many structures erected here, only the tomb of the Alevi (Shiite) saint Demir Baba remains. Of particular interest is the stone altar that has been preserved at the entrance to the inner courtyard.

The Geti (a Thracian tribe) had their capital Helis in what is now the Sboryanovo Reserve, and its remains are another of the complexТs important archeological sites. Helis is a fortified city built at the end of the 4th century BC that covers an area of more than 100 hectares.