30/04/2022
Some sights from Northwestern Bulgaria where we went on a trip in the spring holiday.
The Belogradchik Cliffs – A Natural Wonder
The Belogradchik Cliffs, a unique natural phenomenon.
The Belogradchik Cliffs were sculpted by natural forces over a period of more than 200 million years.
Their iron ore content gives them their reddish coloration.
They vary in form, and are more than 100 meters high
The first group of cliffs are situated near the city of Belogradchik. The most famous of these are called by the name of the forms they have - The Rider, Madonna, The Dervish, Adam and Eve, The Mushrooms, The Lion, The Monks, The Bear, The Castle, and The Shepherd Boy.
Another group of cliffs is located west of the city. The most famous of these are The Zbegove (The Strongholds), Erkyupia and Borich. A well-marked road suitable for motorized transport leads to these formations. Among the towering cliffs are deep ravines, and here can be found the most interesting rock formations – the Twins and the Lesser and Greater Zbeg, once the site of fortifications.
The cliffs near The Zbegove and Borich are amazing, resembling gigantic Sphinxes, monkey’s heads, mummies, mosques’ minarets and cupolas, winged serpents, and others.
Roughly 4 km to the east of the city is situated the third group, which include the cliffs near the Latin Gate and the Lipenik cave.
The fourth group is to be found between the villages of Borovitsa and Falkovets. Here are the celebrated Pine Rock, Bee Rock, The Torlak, and The Maiden’s Cliff.
The last group of cliffs is located near the villages of Gyurgich and Belotitsi.
In the fissures of the Belogradchik Cliffs the ancient Romans built fortifications that were later used by Bulgarians and Ottomans – The Belogradchik Fortress.
Today the fortress is as popular among tourists as the cliffs.
In 2007, the Belogradchik Cliffs were nominated in a competition to select the New Seven Wonders of the World and they were among the foremost contenders, although they didn’t reach the finals.
The Belogradchik region is now without doubt a preeminent tourist destination. In 2008, the city won a national competition held by the EDEN program that honors superior tourist locations, thanks to its rich Thracian heritage and its remarkable natural beauty.