Материалът Orlovi Skali е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

The meanders are not only visually stunning but also responsible for the formation of diverse ecosystems and biodiversity in the region. Among these vibrant areas teem with life, one can find a multitude of plant and animal species. Among them are both local and rare species, which awaken the curiosity and admiration of every visitor.

Traveling along the Arda River is a true adventure, offering exciting experiences for nature lovers and active relaxation seekers alike. The tourist routes in the area give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in untouched nature, explore unique panoramas, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding environment.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit this incredible natural gem in Bulgaria and immerse yourself in the magic of the meanders of the Arda River. Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and tranquility that await you in this unique natural attraction! Read more…

Tourism

Материалът The meanders of the Arda River е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

Located within the Nanovishka volcanic caldera, Harman Kaya impresses with its diversity of forms – from two cave-like chambers, through rectangular and circular basins, to trapezoidal niches and observation platforms. Noteworthy is the petroglyph named “The Chicken,” which further enriches the cultural heritage of the site.

Discovered as early as 1941 by Professor Vasil Mikov, the complex has been the subject of interest and study for many years. Scientific teams dating back to the Chalcolithic period have studied the site. Despite partial exploration, many consider Harman Kaya to be of Thracian origin. Its great value lies in the historical discoveries that reveal the contours of “the largest Thracian city.”

Access to the complex is challenging, with towering cliffs surrounding the massif. The entrance on the territory of the Rock Sanctuary of Harman Kaya is only possible through the Karabedik Dere Valley. Just before the entrance, a small artificial cave rises. It indicates the entrance to this mysterious complex. The trapezoidal niches, carved into the high cliffs, further emphasize the mystery of the place and facilitate its discovery.

Harman Kaya is more than just a natural formation – it is a place steeped in history and culture, captivating us with its beauty and mystery. Visit and immerse yourself in the ancient secrets preserved amidst the rocks of Raven Rock. Read more…

Tourism

Материалът Rock Sanctuary “Harman Kaya” е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

Материалът Rope bridge to Lisitsite village е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

Just as it reaches the waters of the Arda River, it faces the Devil’s Bridge. Her heart is torn by the strong desire to save her life from capture, and grief and despair rage in her soul. But in moments of greatest trial, something surprising happens. In the middle of the bridge, before the eyes of the Turks who are chasing the young woman, a devilish image floats up. Terrified by the unknown power, they retreat, allowing the girl to escape for her life. Since then, the bridge bears the name “Devil’s” and the legend turns it into a symbol of salvation and strength.

But over the centuries, this ancient bridge became more than just stones stacked on top of each other. Local people share another legend that adds to the mystery of this place. During the construction, a young girl who brought food to the craftsman Usta Dimitar from the village of Nedelino, died under mysterious circumstances. And since everything in the universe is connected, the bridge holds her shadow and keeps her memory.

But the biggest surprise came with the discovery of King Solomon’s seal embedded in one of the keystones in the central arch of the bridge. Specialists are trying to decipher this mystery and are turning their attention to ancient sanctuaries scattered across the Rhodopes that could have a connection to the mysterious bridge.

If you decide to visit the Devil’s Bridge, the locals will warn you that after sunset it is better not to walk on it. A footprint of the devil himself appears in the rocks nearby. And when the weather is clear, the devil’s reflection can be seen in the water gently playing under the bridge. This is the time when the ancient legend comes to life and the magic of Devil’s Bridge fills the air, calling everyone to immerse themselves in its mystique…Read more…

Tourism

Материалът Devil`s bridge е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

The reserve is not only inhabited by birch trees but also features other tree species such as black pine, common spruce, white pine, and beech. This combination of diverse trees provides richness and diversity to the reserve’s ecosystem.

One of the most remarkable features of this place is its clean air. The pristine air quality has a positive impact on individuals suffering from respiratory conditions and various allergies. Visitors can bask in the freshness of nature within the reserve.

The reserve boasts 12 accommodation stations with a total capacity of around 250 beds, ensuring convenience and comfort for guests. Access to the reserve is easy, with options for travel by car or bus. A marked trail leads visitors to the Devil’s Bridge, a unique architectural marvel dating back to the 16th century. Additionally, one can explore the Eagle Rocks, where over 100 carved niches in various sizes and trapezoidal shapes bring the history of the Thracian sanctuary to life.

The ‘Beli Brezi’ Reserve is truly a unique destination, promising visitors an unparalleled experience. With its abundant natural treasures and cultural attractions, it is the perfect getaway for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Tourism

Материалът “Beli Brezi” reserve е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

The history of the peak itself is connected with a famous priest and his discovered grave. The fortress itself is dated to have been built in the 7th-1st centuries BC. Fragments of clay vessels were also found, as well as an exceptional marble slab with the image of Zeus.

During the archaeological excavations carried out in 1977, a part of the wall was cleared, and it was discovered that during its construction, unprocessed stones were used, welded with mud solution. The thickness of the wall is about 2.20 meters. On the top itself (accessible only from the north) was built the television tower of the town of Kardjali, to which an asphalt road leads. On the south side there is a steep cliff and on the west the wall has collapsed, which is assumed to have happened in ancient times or during the construction of the tower. The route to Isakov Peak can be combined with a visit to the “Stone Wedding” near the village of Zimzelen and Perperikon.

The GPS coordinates are: 41°40’21” N.W. and 25°24’16” E.D. The altitude is 635m.

Tourism

Материалът Thracian fortress “Isaklartepe” е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

Tourism

Материалът Archaeological complex “Perperikon” е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

Deep in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, just 200 meters from the picturesque village of Tatul and approximately 15 kilometers from Momchilgrad, rises the Thracian sanctuary known as Tatul. This magical site boasts one of the most magnificent megalithic monuments in Bulgaria, not only guarding ancient secrets but also revealing the rich history of the Thracian people.

The sanctuary is composed of a rocky massif upon which a majestic intersecting pyramid proudly stands. The complex consists of two sarcophagi, a rectangular bed for the main altar, and a three-meter well. Dating back to the late 5th to early 4th millennium BCE, the sanctuary unveils its ancient soul through the clay vessels discovered in the region.

“History”

Between the 18th and 11th centuries BCE, Tatul experienced its first great flourishing. The rocky pyramid and the tombs surrounding it bear witness to a time when the sanctuary was the center of rituals and sacrifices. Within a circle of clay altars, ceremonies were performed, and hundreds of cult objects, such as clay human idols and spindles, testified to the dedication to Thracian deities. From 2004 to 2007, excavations unearthed unique clay objects associated with solar worship, including three wheels for models of the Celestial Chariot and a part of a golden mask. Despite disputes regarding the exact dating, the complex emerged as both a sanctuary and fortress throughout various epochs.

“A World of Mysteries and Observations”

Beyond being a sanctuary for sacrificial rites, Tatul serves as a historical site for observing the sunrise and sunset on specific days of the year. For instance, during sunrise, the sun penetrates through the “notch” of a special rock cleft. The shape of the highest part of the megalith, a carved semicircle resembling a rising sun, hints at the connection between the sanctuary and the celestial bodies.

Tatul is more than just a stone complex; it is evidence of the ancient link between the Thracian people and the cosmos. Step into Tatul and immerse yourself in the magic of Thracian history that this unique megalithic monument with its pyramidal beauty offers. Read more…

Tourism

Материалът Archaeological complex “Tatul” е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).

The “Womb” cave is a natural horizontal gap in the rock, 22 meters deep, which was additionally cut by human hands. The height of the hole is 3 meters and the width is about 2.50 m. Enough light penetrates inside. The entire cave is literally shaped like a female vulva. In the hole, there is a carved altar about 1.30 m high, which is shaped like the labia minora. A small hole, about 10 cm deep and 5 cm wide, is made in its center. It is cut slightly to the side. The tunnel has an ideal south-north orientation, with its entrance from the south. There is a specially made slit in its ceiling, through which a ray of sunlight falls precisely at 12 o’clock every day. It is visible for several minutes, gradually increasing in size, and moving toward the altar. 

Guide

The “Womb” cave is located near the Kardzhali dam, 23 km from the city of Kardzhali. To get to it, you can leave your car near the beginning of the path, which is located 5 km south of the village of Nenkovo. The path falls right in front of the dam, being comfortable, but steep and narrow in places. It can be walked only in the northeast direction, as there are several breaks. At the entrance to the path, there is a place to park the car, as well as a sign. The road from the beginning of the path to the cave is 2.1 kilometers long, and its height difference is a little over 350 meters.

At a certain distance from each other, gazebos have been built for relaxation, from which a beautiful view of the Kardzhali dam and the surrounding area is revealed.  It takes about 1 hour at a normal pace. Read more…

Tourism

Материалът The “Womb” cave е публикуван за пръв път на Guesthouse Birch (Betula).