Archaeologists Discover Necropolis at Bulgarian Monastery Linked to Medieval Saints

Jerusalem, 19 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Veliko Tarnovo (BTA) – Veliko Tarnovo archaeologists Iliyan Petrakiev and Prof. Hitko Vachev have discovered a necropolis in a medieval monastery complex associated with Tsar Ivan Alexander and St. Theodosius of Tarnovo, near the central Bulgarian village of Samovodene. The two scientists presented their new findings to journalists during their research in the Shushmanets area, at the foot of today’s St. Trinity Monastery.

The necropolis is among the most important discoveries of the current archaeological season, and its study is expected to provide new information about the history of the complex and the people buried near the temple.

“The new thing that surprised us on the field is the necropolis, the presence of which we assumed. It is normal for it to develop near a Christian temple, but this year we were able to establish that it continues in a southerly direction,” explained archaeologist Iliyan Petrakiev. The discovery was made on the last day of fieldwork, during the preparation of the site for covering and conservation.

According to Prof. Hitko Vachev, the study of the necropolis can help clarify issues related to the history of the medieval monastery and the fate of the clergy who inhabited the area. The archaeologist pointed out that among the possible hypotheses is that Saint Roman of Tarnovski was buried in the complex. In order to establish the identity of the buried, anthropological analyses will be performed on the skeletal remains. It is still to be clarified whether the church had an antechamber, in which, according to medieval tradition, high clergy were buried.

Archaeological excavations at the site are being carried out for the third consecutive year. This season, two kilns were located, which testify to economic activity and monastic life around the temple. Fragments of luxurious ceramics were also found, indicating the higher status of the complex.

According to Petrakiev, in the 14th century the monastery was probably in its heyday. Traces of a large landslide have been found on the site, which affected the church and the buildings in the eastern part of the complex. After the destruction, the monastery was rebuilt and continued to function in the following centuries. Finds from the 17th and 18th centuries testify to later use of the site.

Prof. Hitko Vachev pointed out that the results of the research contribute to clarifying the history of the monastery and its connection with the medieval spiritual and literary tradition in Tarnovo. According to the hypothesis presented by him, the complex is connected to the monastery of St. Theodosius of Tarnovo, where his students worked, including the future patriarchs Evtimii and Cyprian.

The archaeologist noted that fieldwork data supports a dating of the initial construction of the complex around 1360. After destruction caused by a landslide, it was rebuilt and continued to exist until the early 15th century, when further destruction and a fire probably put an end to this phase of its history. Later finds indicate that the church was used in the following centuries.

A protective cover has been built to preserve the archaeological site, with funds provided by the Electricity System Operator, announced Prof. Vachev.

The Director of the Regional Historical Museum in Veliko Tarnovo, Dr. Ivan Tsarov, pointed out that by a decision of the Municipal Council, the site has been provided for three years for management by the museum. This will allow it to be cared for and preserved like the other archaeological and historical sites managed by the institution.

In 2025, the open monastery complex was socialized and the site was linked to tourist routes in order to revitalize the area.