Neolithic Dwellings Museum | Stara Zagora

The Neolithic Dwellings Museum in Stara Zagora preserves the remains of two of the oldest prehistoric houses in Europe, dating back to the 6th millennium BC (Early Neolithic).

Visual Characteristics

The museum is a "site-in-situ" structure built directly over the archaeological excavations. The primary exhibit consists of two adjacent dwellings preserved in their original location. The structures were made of wood, clay, and straw (wattle-and-daub), and were carbonized by a prehistoric fire, which led to their preservation.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 20 Armeyska St., 6000 Stara Zagora.

Access: Located in the western part of the city, near the "Regional Hospital" stop.

Transport: Easily accessible by foot from the city center (approx. 20-minute walk) or by local bus/trolleybus lines.

Parking: Street parking is available in the vicinity of the museum building.

Historical & Archaeological Origin

Discovered in 1968 during construction work, the dwellings are part of a larger prehistoric settlement. Scientific analysis (radiocarbon dating) places them around 5600 BC. They are considered the best-preserved Neolithic dwellings in the world due to the intact inventory found inside, providing an unfiltered look at prehistoric domestic life.

Key Highlights & Activities

Interior Inventory: The houses contain preserved clay ovens (the largest of their period), hand-mills for grain, and over 60 ceramic vessels.

Prehistoric Furniture: Remains of sleeping platforms and storage areas are clearly visible.

The "Prehistoric Art" Exhibition: A separate basement gallery houses a world-class collection of Neolithic and Chalcolithic art, including the "Mother Goddess" figurines and unique marble vessels.

Copper Mines: Information and artifacts related to the nearby Mechi Kladenets, the oldest copper mines in Europe.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Hours (2026): Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 17:30. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Admission: Small fee (approx. 5–7 BGN); combined tickets with the Regional Museum of History are available.

Facilities: The museum is climate-controlled to prevent the degradation of the clay remains.

Connectivity: 5G/4G coverage is excellent throughout the area.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round, as the exhibit is indoors. It is best to visit in tandem with the Regional History Museum to understand the broader context of the Thracian and Roman history of Stara Zagora (Augusta Traiana).

Nearby Landmarks

Regional Museum of History: 2 km East.

Antique Forum of Augusta Traiana: 2 km East.

Samara Flag Monument: 4 km East.

Ayazmoto Park: 1.5 km North.