Belogradchik rocks and the fortress "Kaleto"

from Katerina in Get to know Bulgaria! Visits 1018 17 June, 2020

Belogradchik rocks are a group of interestingly shaped rock formations located on the western slopes of Stara Planina (also called Balkan Mountains or Old Mountain), near the town of Belogradchik, Bulgaria. It is believed that their formation occurred 230 million years ago, when this region became a shallow sea, at the bottom of which was deposited gravel, clay and sand. Thus, for millions of years, under the influence of water, wind and temperature, these bizarre rocks were sculpted. Today they stretch for 30 kilometers in length, from 3 to 5 kilometers in width and reach a height of 200 meters, and in this area are hidden more than 100 caves. They are also characterized by their red color, which is due to the iron compounds in them. Some of the most famous rocks are: "The Madonna", "The monks", "The lion", "The camel", "The bear", "Cuckoo", "Haidut Velko", "The Horseman", "Dervish", "The convent", " Adam and Eve "," The Shepherd "," The Schoolgirl "," Thought Stone "," The mushrooms ".

The fortress "Kaleto" was built before the founding of the Bulgarian state, at a time when these lands were part of the Roman empire. It is built between inaccessible rocks, and was initially used only for observation, but then acquired a defensive function. Inside it is divided into three fortress courtyards, between which there are massive gates lined with iron. Impressive are the fortress walls, which reach a height of 12 meters and a thickness of 2.5 meters. The fortress was last active during the Serbo-Bulgarian war in 1885.

"Kaleto" is located 1 km from the center of Belogradchik. You can reach it by car and park there. The picturesque view from the fortress to the rocks of Belogradchik is impressive. In clear weather from the top of the rocks you can see the Danube river.