SVA light the UNESCO World Heritage Sveshtari Tombs
This week Sutton Vane Associates have been working at the Sveshtari Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO world heritage site in North Eastern Bulgaria.
The tomb dates from the third century BC and was discovered in the early 1980s, it has been incredibly well preserved and is a fabulous example of the art and culture of the Thracian people at that time.
The lighting scheme focuses on revealing the beauty of the intricate sculptures, like the stunning caryatids which have been framed with light to reveal their 3D form. The remarkable and rare polychromy, which is inspired by local art, was given the most gentle touches of light to ensure that they weren’t damaged. Light is skimmed across the outside of the tomb to reveal its fascinating texture and highlight the ancient Greek graffiti.
The newly renovated tombs were unveiled by the Bulgarian Culture Minister Atanas Atanasov and US Ambassador to Bulgaria Herro Mustafa. The project has been the culmination of three and a half years of renovation works, collaborating with local architects, designers and project managers to deliver a world class lighting installation.
This very special monument is most definitely worth a visit!
The American Ambassador Herro Mustafa and the Bulgarian Culture Minister Atanas Atanasov view the stone doorway to the tomb.
“The Culture Minister is convinced that the tomb in Sveshtari will attract tourists and connoisseurs from Bulgaria, Europe and the rest of the world with its new light.”
