The Belogradchik rocks are often said to be a place touched by God, and this is the very truth. That is why Konstantin Irechek was right to exclaim in amazement during his visit here: “This cannot be described in words, this must be seen!” About 230 ago million years ago, sandy-marl rocks were layered in this area. Later they were flooded by the sea, at the bottom of which the sand, gravel and clay brought by the rivers were deposited. This resulted in conglomerates known as variegated sandstone. They acquired a reddish hue from the iron oxide. Gray and cream-white limestones were layered on top of them during the Jurassic period. During the folding of the Stara Planina, this area became a dry land.
Cracks appeared in its highest part, where the destructive work of water, winds and temperature fluctuations began. Because of their uneven hardness, the sandstones crumbled unevenly. This is how this incredibly beautiful rock extravaganza appeared.
Human imagination has also given birth to many legends, the most popular of which is that of the Madonna – a young nun who devoted herself to the Roman patrician Antonio. Almost all of the rock formations have names: The Stone Wedding, The Horseman, The Schoolgirl, The Dervish, The Shepherdess, The Camel, The Great Outlaw, The Castle, The Lion, Adam and Eve, The Mushrooms… and many more.
The name Belogradchik comes from the “white building” of the fortress called Kaleto.
It consists of three parts, each with the possibility of independent protection. The city itself came into being with its construction and its fate has always been linked to it. Today, Kaleto is among the best-preserved Bulgarian fortresses. Both she and the city were destroyed and rebuilt many times by Byzantines, Bulgarians and Turks.
A stone fairy tale and extravaganza, they are rightly called the Belogradchik Rocks. They are a unique natural phenomenon that has no analogue in the world. And for us it is even more important that they are part of the Bulgarian nature.
Work time:
From 01 January to 31 March – 09.00 – 17.00. Last entry for the day – 4:00 p.m.
From April 1 – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Last entry for the day 17.00.
From 01 May – 09.00 – 19.00. Last entry for the day 18.00.
From 01 June to 31 August – 09.00 – 20.00. Last entry for the day 19.00.
From 01 September – 09.00 – 19.00. Last entry for the day 18.00.
From 01 October – 09.00 – 18.00. Last entry for the day 17.00.
From 01 November to 31 December – 09.00 – 17.00. Last entry for the day 16.00.
Entrance fees:
Reduced ticket – pupils, students and pensioners – BGN 4.00
Regular – adults – BGN 6.00
Talk – BGN 10.00
Family ticket (parents with children under 18) – BGN 12.00
Audio guide – BGN 6.00
For groups of 10 and over 10 persons (upon presentation of a list by the manager) pupils, students, pensioners – BGN 3.00; adults – BGN 5.00
Combined ticket: “Kaleto” Fortress + “Magura” Cave + Historical Museum + Natural History Museum + Art Gallery – BGN 22.00
Parking:
Car – BGN 2.40 Bus – BGN 6.00
Contacts:
box office 093653022
