Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
OUTDOORS
Belogradchik Rocks
The massive Belogradchik sandstone and limestone rock formations cover an area of
around 90 sq km and tower over the town. The rocks, standing up to 200m high, were
sculpted over millions of years by natural compression and erosion, and their otherworldly
appearance has inspired many local legends. The 'Monks', the 'Bear,' the 'Shepherd Boy'
and 'Adam and Eve' are just some of the named formations. The rocks are accessible by
road, about 2km west of town.
Kaleto Fortress
(admission 4 lv; 9am-6pm Jun-Sep, 9am-5pm Oct-May) Almost blending in with the s
urrounding rocks is the Kaleto Fortress, originally built by the Romans and later expanded
by the Byzantines, Bulgarians and Turks. Most of what you see today was completed in
the 1830s. You can wander round three courtyards and explore the defensive bunkers; ac-
cessing the highest rocks involves a precarious climb up steep ladders.
FORTRESS
History Museum
(pl 1850 Leto; admission 1 lv; 9am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Fri) The history museum,
housed in a National Revival building from 1810, displays folk costumes, jewellery and
traditional local crafts such as woodcarving and pottery.
MUSEUM
LEGENDARY ROCKS
For centuries, the Belogradchik rock formations have fired the imaginations of local people. These twisting, con-
torted pillars of stone seem to take on the most curious shapes, both human and animal.
One legend tells the tragic tale of Valentina, a young nun renowned for her beauty. One day, during a holy fest-
ival, a young nobleman came along and was immediately smitten. The two began an illicit affair, which was dis-
covered only when Valentina gave birth to a child in the convent. The Mother Superior and a council of monks
decided to expel her. As she left, in tears, her lover came riding towards her on his white horse. At this moment,
the sky turned black and terrifying thunder rent the air. The ground opened and consumed the convent, and every-
one was turned to stone where they stood - including Valentina, who was transformed into the rock known today
as the 'Madonna'.
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