Archaeological Madara rider" is carved in the mountain, the image of a rider on a horse. It is located near the village of Madara, about 20 kilometers from the town of Shumen.

It was discovered in 1872, archaeologist, geographer, ethnographer and artist of Hungarian origin Other then Felix. The study of this ancient monument has been the founder of the archaeological areas in Bulgaria Karel Shkorpil. According to the most common version, depicted on the rock of the Thracian horseman. Presumably, this is the ancient ruler Khan Tervel. Previously among the locals there was the belief that carved on mount St. George.

The Madara horseman is situated at a height of 23 meters on a hundred-meter cliff, which was once considered sacred. This is a composition of several figures, the origin of which scientists refer to the IX century.

Rider sitting on a horse, dressed in clothes and a helmet. In his right hand he holds a spear, which pierces struck the lion, and the left one has a reason. Behind the horseman dog is running, which in ancient times was considered a sacred animal by the local people. Relief figure is a unique example of the Bulgarian art from the medieval period. The rider symbolizes the strength and power of the state.

On both sides of the rock compositions are also carved in the rock inscriptions belonging to three different periods – from 705 of the year 801 a year. They identify important events in the political life of the Bulgarian state.

The monument is located on the territory of the archaeological reserve "Madara", where you can also see the sanctuary, a pagan temple (the temple), Palace, residential buildings and other ancient structures. At the foot of the cliff is the entrance to a large cave, in which the Thracians carried out religious rites, worship of their gods.

In 1979, due to the high value of this item, it was listed in the list of cultural monuments of world heritage UNESCO. Thus, the "Madara horseman" is one of nine sites in Bulgaria included in this great list.