Belogradchik Rocks
At the end of the Paleozoic, about 230 million years ago, in the area where the Belogradchik Rocks rise today, sandy-marl rocks were layered. Later, they were flooded by the sea, at the bottom of which sand, gravel and clay were deposited. Over time, these materials were connected by a sandy-clay bond. This is how conglomerates and sandstones were formed. The reddish color is due to iron oxides and hydroxides.
As a result of the Young Alpine tectonic cycle, the complex folded and appeared on land, with the Belogradchik region falling into the center of a large crack. Under the influence of water, winds and temperature fluctuations, the limestones of these parts collapsed and revealed the strongly cracked conglomerates. Thus, for millions of years, nature has sculpted sculptures of mythical creatures, people, animals and birds from the shapeless stone.
Over 100 caves have formed in the sandstone and limestone. These rock columns form a natural fortress, the defensive potential of which has been exploited since ancient times.
Today, the Belogradchik Rocks extend for approximately 30 km. in length, 3 to 5 km. in width and up to 200 m. in height. The most majestic rocks surround Belogradchik: the Madonna, the Horseman, the Monks, the Schoolgirl, the Lion, the Bear, Adam and Eve, the Castle.
The most interesting and significant cultural monument in historical terms in Belogradchik is the Kaleto fortress. It is one of the best preserved fortresses in the country and a cultural monument of national importance.
*The Romans used the natural inaccessibility of the rocks during construction, erecting only two walls from the northwest and southeast. *
Remains of a Roman aqueduct were also discovered not far from the fortress.
In the second half of the 14th century, the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Sratsimir expanded the existing fortification. During his reign, the Belogradchik fortress was the second largest and most important after the Vidin fortress - the main fortress-castle of Sratsimir.
*At the end of the 14th century, the Bulgarian lands were conquered by the Turks. In 1396, they also captured the fortress near Belogradchik. External complications, internal disputes, the strong haidush movement and the frequent rebellions and uprisings in this region forced the Turks to undertake the expansion of the fortress. Until the beginning of the 19th century, they carried out minor repairs and reinforcements, without changing its medieval appearance. *
From 1805 to 1837, a complete reconstruction and expansion of the fortress was carried out, in accordance with the then requirements of fortification construction. Under the leadership of French and Italian engineers, the fortress acquired its current more European appearance.
*Today, a monument stands near the place of execution in memory of these fighters. The fortress walls are 2.5 m thick at their base and reach 12 m in height. Three fortress courtyards have been formed, separated by massive portals with doors, covered in iron bands. Guard rooms, three cannon platforms, three cannon embrasures, 365 loopholes on the fortress walls, storage and ammunition rooms have been built. The fortress also had a flour and salt mill. *
- It was last used as a military facility during the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. The Belogradchik Fortress impresses not only with its history, but also with the sense of proportion and aesthetic views of the builders. *
The fortress walls and especially the portals are additionally decorated with decorative niches, columns, stone cornices, rosettes, palmettes and other relief stylizing images of plants and animals
It is serviced by the City History Museum.