The Thracian Temple “Horizont” is part of the Thracian temple complex near the village of Starosel. It carries the name of the European organization “Stitching Horizon”, which is largely responsible for financing the archaeological excavations back in 2002. Dating back to the 4th or 5th century B.C., this temple differs from the others; it is the only known Thracian temple that features a colonnade. It was built inside a burial mound, which was also an embankment. The temple is covered and only ten pillars (six frontal, four on the sides) remain visible. This is the only Thracian temple of its kind ever found in Bulgaria. It differs from the Greek temples, which are completely open and surrounded by columns on all sides.
In the middle of the 4th century B.C., the temple was converted into a mausoleum following the burial of a Thracian king. The deceased king’s horse was also buried along with him. The temple was then desecrated, pillaged, destroyed, and buried, most likely for political or religious reasons. Despite the poor conditions of the objects found here, these artifacts attest to the wealth of the deceased and his influence in society.
This temple is an extremely rare and sacred place, which has passed through the ages of history and still stands today. There was also another temple in a nearby mound, where a chapel stands today.