Thracian Cult Complex, Chetinyova Mogila

The Thracian cult complex in Chetinyova mound near village of Starosel was discovered and excavated by Georgi Kitov (1943-2008) in 2000. It is the largest ever found Thracian royal mausoleum complex. The complex dates back to the V - IV century BC.

The Heroon-tomb (called temple by Kitov) has impressesimpressive imposing fence (krepida) of stone blocks, а parade staircase, corridor and а religious site. The entrance is paved with slabs of plastic and colored decoration. Here the Thracians were performed secret Orphic rituals, designed to improve and ascend the Thracian king-priest to anthropodemon (from Greek - άνθρωπος (person) and δαίμων (god) - a status between human and divine nature).

On the north side of the temple is dug an elliptical rock bath for production and storage of wine. When excavations were found inside vessels for wine drinking and strainers.

30 m. south of the domed building, was found a "cenotaph" - an empty grave, and around it in three separate tanks - remnants of the human body and lot of gifts - gold ring craft, horse ammunition, weapons.

At the foot of the Chetinyova mound complex is located а tomb (called "Mound Horizon"). This is the only discovered Thracian heroon which has columns (10). The columns have capitals in early Doric style. In this tomb was buried representative of the Thracian aristocracy, as evidenced by discovered gold and silver objects.

The Thracian Complex in village of Starosel is included in the list of The Hundred tourist sites of Bulgaria.