Travelling through Europe with camels? Sounds unusual. But in Bulgaria, researchers from the National Museum of Natural History have actually discovered a very well-preserved camel skeleton. This is a unique find in Europe. The remains date back to the Roman Empire, as Romans imported and bred camels in Europe to transport goods and military equipment. The Bulgarian skeleton could also have been a ‘mail camel’, as it was found near a post station on the Via Diagonalis – a Roman road built in the first century AD and running through large parts of the Balkans.
This is just one of the many stories hidden in the National Museum of Natural History in Sofia. But it’s not just the exhibition that takes you back in time – the museum itself is over 130 years old, making it the oldest museum in Bulgaria and providing an insight into Bulgarian history.
The museum is part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In addition to archaeological excavations, its main tasks are research into biodiversity, environmental protection and the evolution of organisms. Visitors can discover the diversity of flora and fauna in Bulgaria and other parts of the world. The extensive insect and bird collections are among the largest and most important in Europe. There is also an exhibition of crystals and rare minerals from all over the world. Those who like to be creative can learn how to draw pine cones or dinosaurs in workshops.
With its central location in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, the Natural History Museum is easy to reach – the city is one of the most pedestrian-friendly in Europe! If you still crave some culture after your scientific input, numerous art museums, theatres and the Bulgarian Philharmonic Orchestra are conveniently located right next door. At the equivalent of just 2.56 euros (as of July 2024), admission to the museum is very affordable for students. It is open all week from 10am to 6pm. If you still can’t make it to Bulgaria, you can also explore the entire museum virtually. The online tour is even free of charge.
Website: https://www.nmnhs.com
Virtual tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=igvaES2BjBi&f=0
Photo: National Museum of Natural History. Credits: wikipedia/ Nenko Lazarov
