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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 866 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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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
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
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#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

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Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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The formation of the landslide is most likely due to the undermining of the vertical rocks of the gorge of the Iskar River at a very sharp left turn. Most likely, a deep niche was formed initially, and later the cracked massive limestones collapsed, changing the course of the river. 

The area has been declared a rare natural phenomenon by the Committee for Environmental Protection.

#Bulgaria #naturephenomenon #nature
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