The Thracian sanctuary Orlovi skali (Eagle Rocks)

The Thracian sanctuary Orlovi skali (Eagle Rocks) is situated about 3km south of Ardino. This monument of the ancient culture of the Tracians is unique for Bulgaria. Because of the big slope of the place, the height of the rock is not the same. The west part of the rock is the highest – 30 meters, the north and the south is about 25 meters and the east – 10-12 meters. More than 100 rock niches were made in the rock. There is no regularity in their arrangement. The niches are trapezium-shaped, but their sizes are not the same. The largest one has the following dimensions: height –70 cm, width of the base – 34 cm and 20 cm of the top and the depth is 34 cm. It is believed that the niches were made by the Odrysian tribes in the 1st century A.D. During ceremonies religious objects were placed in the rock holes. The Thracian sanctuary Orlovi skali is a monument of culture for Bulgaria.