Starosel brings together Thracian sanctuaries, a church with a long building history, wine and spa experiences, and a cycling route. The archaeological sites provide the town’s central cultural connection.
Thracian Sanctuaries and Architectural Forms
The excavated Thracian Cult Centre on Chetinyova Mound near Starosel dates to the 5th to 4th century BC and is open to visitors year-round. The temple is considered the largest Thracian temple in the Balkans; at the same time, the entire complex with its mausoleum is described as the largest Thracian royal complex discovered to date. The two size claims refer to different units: the temple and the entire complex.
The Thracian cult complex in Starosel comprises six temples beneath mounds; four of them are considered unique. At Horizon Mound, the monumental temple contains a rectangular chamber surrounded by a U-shaped space. Ten columns in the early Doric style adorn this space. The temple became the mausoleum of a deified Thracian ruler. The mound temple above Starosel lies at the foot of the southern slopes of the SĹshtinska Sredna Gora range.
The paved road from Starosel to the Thracian temple complex on Chetinyova Mound leads to a site about four kilometres northwest of the town. At Horizon Mound, there is an information sign, parking and a footpath to the temple. As visitor facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.
Church History and Cycling Route
The Church of St. Nedelya in Starosel was built in 1819 and rebuilt ten years after the fire of 1876. Its unique icons were painted by the artist Nikola Danchov. As a 19th-century building, the church adds another period to the story of Starosel alongside the Thracian sites.
For more experienced cyclists, the 20-kilometre Hisarya–Matenitsa–Starosel route passes through mixed forests, by reservoirs and through villa areas. It ends in Starosel, where visitors can explore the Thracian cult temple. If you plan to take this route, check local route information before setting out.
Wine, Dining and Spa
The Starosel winery offers tours and tastings to guests of the complex. At the Temple of Wine, Starosel wine and rakia are served for tasting. The complex’s Enoteca also hosts wine and rakia tastings; its design is reminiscent of a rotunda. Thus, the tasting venues described differ both in location and setting. Restaurant Teroar serves Bulgarian and international gourmet cuisine. Its open kitchen includes a Big Green Egg BBQ, as well as a bread and pizza oven.
The Starosel complex offers two spa centres with modern spa facilities and wine treatments. The complex is supplied with mineral water from a spring about seven kilometres from Starosel. There is also a children’s centre, a modern playground and a zoo area right next to the playground. Visitor services and facilities may change, so check the tasting and spa options before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Belovitsa.
Go to the main travel overview: Hisarya.
