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Bulgaria, Plovdiv region, Thracian - Rhodope region

The mystery of the Thracians and the charisma of a fortress

posted by Dario
Mar 20, 2018 1867 2 0
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I have always argued that the Rhodope Mountains are not just another mountain which has beautiful landscapes and some historical findings. There is much more, they have a soul that translates into a magic that surrounds every corner of it. Today’s walk is another proof of how unique this part of Bulgaria is where the Rhodope mountains are located.

  • Asen’s fortress
  • Belintash

Asen’s fortress

My first destination is one of the most impressive and interesting historical monuments that have survived to this day – Asen’s fortress.

Before I visited this place, I had heard a lot of stories about it. The history of this fortress is very interesting. It has gone through different possessions throughout the ages. The Thracians are the first to build their fortification in the 5th century. After them, in the 9th century, the place was conquered by the Byzantines,  functioning as a fortification guarding the borders.

But its name comes when the fortress falls under the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II after being taken away by the Crusaders defeated in the Third Crusade. When Bulgaria fell under Ottoman domination, the fortress was destroyed and the only feature standing over the centuries in the two-store Church of the Holy Mother of God.

The first floor of the church was designed as an ossuary, but never performed this function, and the second is the church with frescoes from the 13th century. The temple is also one of the first in Eastern Orthodoxy which has a tower serving both a bell tower and an observatory.

The place is truly impressive not only because of its location but because of  the features which allows us to understand how in the past people have defended themselves by building defence facilities in such places. When walking through the stone paths of the fortress site, one can feel the emotion of history that holds this place, which is not a small one, considering how many different possessions have passed.

We can only be proud, enjoy this heritage, and keep it for the next generations because it is one of the living proofs of how old and great the Bulgarian people are.

Useful information:
The fortress is located 2 km away from Asenovgrad, with numerous well-marked signs;
The distance from Sofia to Asenovgrad is 166 km along the Trakia motorway;

Work time:
November – March:
Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

April – October:
Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Holidays:
Monday and Tuesday.

Entrance fee – 3 lev
for pupils and students – 2 lev
for groups of over 10 people – 2 levs per person
for family (2 adults and 2 children) – 7 lev

Price of a talk in Bulgarian – 4 lev
Price of a talk in English – 5 lev
I can claim that this is one of those places that must necessarily be visited at least once in a lifetime;

Belintash

My next stop, by which I ended this trip, is different and more special to me as a person who has a weakness in Bulgaria’s natural heritage. I am talking about the Thracian sanctuary Belintash (many people confuse it with the sanctuary of Begliktash, which for you can read more here).

Oh, I really do not know where to start with the descriptions of this place! Firstly, I will say that we lost ourselves when we were looking for the Belintash trail, and note that Belintash is the second largest rock-cut sanctuary in Bulgaria (after Perperikon), that is, it should not be so difficult to find. Take the road that is right behind the church, which turned out to be private … a bizarre story!

The path leads through a pleasant coniferous forest that prepares you with its fresh fragrance for a mystical experience once you reach the rock formation itself. To get on it you have to go through the stairs (which I would doubt that are well secured).

Coming one time from above you will encounter a unique view, not only to the surrounding mountains and areas, but to the whole sky. There is also a intriguing explanation for this. It has been proven that the star map is very good here and that is why the place is chosen by the Thracians. They dedicated it to god Sabazius, the god of the Thracian tribe Bessie.

But the thing that kindled my curiosity is the multiple carved openings and canals that flow into two carved wells that are another proof of human activity here.

The place is exceptional and, as I mentioned earlier in the publication, the Rhodope Mountains are enchanted by magic, which gives a more special experience. Well, all this cannot keep you forever and not give you some unforgettable memories. I have always said that words can hardly describe the emotion that will bring to you these panoramas, landscapes and magical places. That is why I let the pictures talk and I challenge you to visit this place and to feel the “magic” that lies there.

Useful information:
To reach Belintash, take the Asenovgrad – Kardzhali road by taking the exit to the village of Cherven. In principle there are signs that will guide you but if you find it difficult to look up you can ask for guidelines at the Old Houses complex where you will leave the car and walk for about 600 meters;
The place provides an unforgettable experience in the company of the unique view it owns;
This is the perfect place for lovers of tranquility and a light dose of adrenaline;
Obligatory walking with comfortable shoes;

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About me

Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
Grateful to had the opportunity to go to so many p Grateful to had the opportunity to go to so many places this year, sharing some of my favourite snaps of #2022 , can’t wait to see what adventures are awaiting me during 2023 🤩

#yearoftravel #europe
Oh my god, is it already the end of the year! This Oh my god, is it already the end of the year! This year was full with surprises from our beautiful planet. In this video I gathered some of my most favourite nature spots and moments that I had the luck to record. And seriously there is no better caption to describe them than OH MY GOD 🤩

#ourplanet #ohmygod #momentsthatmatter
Life edition #2022 Life edition #2022
Welcome to the Vaticans wonders ✨ #Vatican #mus Welcome to the Vaticans wonders ✨

#Vatican #museum #wonders
The eternal city slaying since 751 BC #Rome #Ital The eternal city slaying since 751 BC

#Rome #Italy #eternalcity
“Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain “Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain speaking. I’d like to welcome everyone on Rightwing Flight 86A. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 10.000 km above sea level at an airspeed of 645 km per hour. The time is 3:25 pm. The weather looks good and with the tailwind on our side we are expecting to land in Rome approximately fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. I’ll talk to you again before we reach our destination. Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the flight.„

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Golden Athens since 508 BC #Greece #Athens #Sunse Golden Athens since 508 BC

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Living the Ancient Greek way | Series two Let’s Living the Ancient Greek way | Series two

Let’s be honest, living during the ancient times of Greece was probably cool.

They had so many different and creative crafts that most of them we can witness until nowadays.

A good example for this is the new museum of the Acropolis. A modern building representing the exactly same proportions of the Parthenonas.

In the museum you can see fundamental artefacts picturing the believes and life from ancient times.

But probably the best part for me was the chance to see by myself all the perfect details crafted on different surfaces.

#Greece
#Athens
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Living the Ancient Greek way | Series one The hil Living the Ancient Greek way | Series one

The hill of Acropolis
- Parthenon since 432 BC
- Erechtheion since 406 BC
- Theatre of Dionysus since 520 BC

#Greek
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