Belintash

Belintash (Belantash, also known as Bellantash, and as a slightly older form and "White Tashi") is a rock in the shape of a small plateau in the Rhodopes, bearing traces of human activity. It is believed that this is a cult site dating from the Eneolithic, which was used for ritual purposes by the tribes inhabiting the area, and its very nature and purpose are not yet fully understood. On the upper platform of the rock are carved round holes, gutters, niches and steps, which according to some form a map of the starry sky. The length of the rock platform is about 300 m, with an altitude of 1225 m. It is located 30 km southeast of the town of Asenovgrad. This is the second largest rock-cut sanctuary in Bulgaria (after Perperek), located on an area of ​​approx. 5 decares, on an elongated (north-south) rock plane, with an average slope to the east of about 18 °.

 

It is a plateau-like rock formation with a length of 750 m, a width of 30 to 50 m and a height of approximately 35 m. It is built of volcanic-sedimentary rocks (volcanic tuffs). The name of the place means white stone. As a result of the specific weathering of the rock, picturesque forms were formed.

 

It is believed that there was an ancient Thracian sanctuary of the god Sabazios - the god of the Thracian tribe Bessi. In the upper part of the rock massif there are carved two wells and many channels to them, which are full of water, and these are not the only traces of an ancient Thracian sanctuary. Belintash is one of the many megalithic Thracian monuments in the Rhodopes.

 

The rock complex is also a nesting place for alpine swift (Apus melba), red-breasted swallow (Hirundo daurica) and black-throated Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).

 

The natural landmark is managed and protected by the Municipality of Asenovgrad and the State Forestry - Asenovgrad, under the control of the RIEW - Plovdiv.