The Rocks of Belogradchik

The Belogradchik Rocks are located in Stara Planina, near the town of Belogradchik. They represent a unique stone formations with fantastic outlines – a sea of frozen castles, fortresses, people, birds and animals, rising at height of 200 m, and spreading on an area 30 km long and 15 km wide. The central group of rocks is situated to the south of the town. The most interesting and impressive formations could be found there – Adam&Eve, the Schoolgirl, the Bear, the Shepherd, the First Slate, the Camel, the Mushrooms, the Madonna, the Horseman, the Monks, etc. There is a legend, saying centuries ago two monasteries existed nestled between the rocks – a men’s and a women’s. One of the nuns, called Valentina was so pretty her beauty could not be hidden even behind the dark clothes she was wearing. There was a young shepherd, called Anton, who played the caval. He fell in love with her and enchanted her with his music. They had a baby, but their love had no future. Valentina was sent off the monastery. Anton mounted his horse and went to bring her back home. God, who was a witness of their pure love, decided to send a storm, which ruined the whole monastery. Valentina turned into a stone Madonna, carrying a child in her hands. The monks also turned into stone, and Anton could still be seen on his horse, waiting for his beloved one. All these rock figures exist today: the Madonna, the Horseman, the Monks, Manastirishte.
The second group of rocks is to the west from the town. They have an Alpine look and surround big abysses. Some 4 km eastern from the town, the third group could be found, which includes the rock known as the Latin fortress and the Lipnik Cave. The fourth group is between the villages of Borovitza and Falkovetz. In it are the famous Pine Stone (declared a natural monument), the Red stone, Torlak, etc. The last group is situated near the villages of Gurgich and Belotintzi.