Madara Rider
Madara, Bulgaria
A medieval rock relief of a horseman carved high on a sheer cliff, listed as World Heritage. Climb the stairs from the car park for the close view and the plateau beyond; bring water.
The Madara Rider is a rock relief on the Madara Plateau near Shumen. It lies about 23 m above the ground in an almost vertical cliff roughly 100 m high. Most scholars date it to the early 8th century under Khan Tervel (701-718), some to the late 7th century. The rider thrusts a spear into a lion, while a dog runs alongside him. Around the image are several partly preserved Greek inscriptions recording relations between Bulgarian khans and Byzantine emperors.
The monument has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The relief itself is small and set high up, so bring binoculars if you want to make out details. Allow about two hours for the visit and the plateau. Because of the summer heat, morning visits and plenty of water are recommended.
- Nearest town
- Madara, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.2735, 27.1180
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
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FAQs
Where is Madara Rider?
Madara Rider is in Madara, Bulgaria, at GPS 43.2735, 27.1180. It is about 65 km from Varna.
What is there to see near Madara Rider?
Places worth a stop nearby: Aladzha Monastery (72 km), Nessebar Old Town (85 km), Balchik Palace (87 km) and Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (105 km).
When is the best time to visit Madara Rider?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)