“Danube emotions” – Day Four

After three incredible days spent by the northern sea coast of Bulgaria we headed to the Danube coast. We left in the morning from the town of Kavarna and headed to the town of Silistra, where we stayed for the night. The day plan was to visit three places.

Thracian sanctuary “Badjaliata”

Our first stop was the Thracian sanctuary “Badjaliata”. The rock temple is located near Strelkovo village as the sanctuary itself is set in a large natural cave. Along with many legends and studies it is believed that this place was crucial to the Thracian tribes associated with the cult of Zalmoxis (semi-mythical god). Also thorough studies of the place it was found that multiple and different types sacrifices were taking place in it –  from animals to humans including. This explains the finding of different types of bones. Nowadays the sanctuary can be visited thanks to the carved staircase (trail) that passes through a tunnel (once having a door to it) leading to the venue itself (the cave).

Useful information:
There is no entrance, it can be visited at any time of the day;
To reach Badjaliata you must take the road Dobrich – Silistra and look for signs to  Strelkovo village;
The road is not favorable for cars. I recommend that you leave your car in the village and from there continue walking. It will not take you more than 40 min to get there;
Close settlements: the town of Silistra 25 km, Dobrich town 58 km;

Fort “Medjidi Tabia“

After finishing with the Thracian sanctuary we headed to the town of Silistra to our next stop: fort “Medjidi Tabia“. It is located on a hill in the southern part of the city. The building was built during the Ottoman Empire in 1847 and was completed entirely in 1853. Its role was key during the Russo-Turkish wars before and during the Liberation. Bulgarian slaves where forced to work hard for the building of the fort. There have worked more than 300 slaves who after the very completion of the building were exiled to Asia Minor. To this day it is perfectly preserved and can be visited and you can see all of its components.

Useful information:
All season:8:00 to 20:00 am. No days off;
Admission: adults – 2 levа, students  – 1 lev;
The fort itself is located near the TV tower of Silistra;
The location is very favourable for a walk with friends and for enriching your historical knowledge;

Natural Reserve “Silver” (Srebarna)

We left the most significant stop for last: Natural Reserve “Silver” (Srebarna)! This place has a unique flora and fauna that contributes to the great atmosphere. Many people call the lake “Eldorado of wading birds” because of the rich biodiversity of rare birds. The place itself becomes official natural reserve in 1948. There are trails that are located at the edges of the lake, they are well maintained with information notes for the animals in this area. Serbarna village has amazing and beautiful museum dedicated only to the reserve. There you can see all the stuffed animal species that live here (all animals died of natural causes). There is also beautiful view at the outset of the museum where you can observe magnificent birds in the lake with binoculars given by the staff of the museum.

Useful information:
To get to the museum in Srebarna village you should take the road Ruse-Silistra. There are well-marked signs that will take you directly there;
It is advisable to go between April – early August if you want to observe flocks of pelicans, because in this period they come and fly from Srebarna;
1st April — 30th September –  from 8 until 18 o’clock (every Thursday day off)
From 1st October to 30th March – from 8 until 16 o’clock (Saturday and Sunday – day off);
Entry fees are:  Adults – 2.00lеvа.; Children and students – 1.00lеv .;
Nearby settlements: Ruse -104 km and Silistra -18 km;

And this is how we ended our day. After a very pleasant and long walks along Srebarna and visiting the museum, we headed to Silistra to rest and recharge in order to set off to our next destination. Follow me to day five…