Regional History Museum Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora
The Regional History Museum in Stara Zagora is among the oldest and largest museums in Bulgaria and Europe, preserving more than 120,000 cultural monuments. Founded in 1907, it moved to a new building in 2007, officially opened to visitors in 2009. The museum encompasses a vast collection including prehistoric, ethnographic, and numismatic exhibits, as well as unique artifacts such as a bone idol and marble anthropomorphic figurine from the 5th millennium BC. It also houses the Neolithic Dwellings Museum, featuring two of the oldest surviving buildings in Europe dating back to the 6th millennium BC, with kitchens, fireplaces, and ceramic vessels that vividly depict prehistoric domestic life. The museum's archaeological expeditions have uncovered significant sites like the Azmashka settlement mound and prehistoric copper mines near Mechi Kladenets. Additionally, the museum maintains international collaborations and organizes scientific conferences, underscoring its role as a cultural and research hub. Its collections span multiple epochs including the Bronze Age, Roman period, and Bulgarian National Revival, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through regional history.
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Tip: Visit during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance is advisable for special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website or contact the museum for current opening hours and any temporary closures or events.
Interesting facts
- •The Neolithic Dwellings Museum contains two of the oldest surviving buildings in Europe, dating back to the 6th millennium BC.
- •The museum holds over 120,000 cultural monuments, including rare artifacts like a bone idol and a marble anthropomorphic figurine from the 5th millennium BC.
- •It led the first fully researched settlement mound excavation on the Balkan Peninsula, the Azmashka site.
- •In 1984, Stara Zagora hosted the VIII International Symposium on Ancient Bronze, attracting scholars from 30 countries.
- •The museum actively collaborates with over 20 international museums and universities across Europe.
History
The Regional History Museum of Stara Zagora was established in 1907, making it one of Bulgaria's oldest museums.
It underwent a significant relocation to a modern facility in 2007, which opened to the public in 2009.
Over the decades, the museum has curated extensive collections reflecting the region's prehistoric to modern history.
It has led numerous archaeological excavations, notably the first fully researched settlement mound on the Balkans, Azmashka.
The museum has also played a key role in international cultural exchanges and research, hosting symposia such as the VIII International Symposium on Ancient Bronze in 1984.
Place Guide
Neolithic Dwellings Museum6th millennium BC
This branch of the Regional History Museum showcases two Neolithic houses from the 6th millennium BC, the best-preserved in Europe from this period. Visitors can explore original kitchens, fireplaces, hand grain mills, and ceramic vessels that illustrate prehistoric domestic life. The museum also exhibits 333 important finds from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods.
Ancient Forum Complex at Augusta Traiana2nd–4th century AD
Ruins of a Roman forum dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, located near the western gate of the ancient city. The complex provides insight into the urban life and architecture of Roman Augusta Traiana, the ancient name of Stara Zagora.
Museum of Religions (Eski Mosque)
Housed in a historic mosque, this museum presents the religious diversity and history of the region, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to various faiths that have influenced Stara Zagora.
Ethnographic Collections
Extensive exhibits featuring traditional clothing, textiles, household items, and crafts from the Stara Zagora region, illustrating local customs and everyday life through centuries.
Contact
Phone: 042 919 214
