Perperikon

Perperikon is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, 20 km northeast of the town of Kardzhali. The rocky town rises on a rocky peak with a height of 470 m. At its foot is the village of Gorna Krepost, and near it flows the river Perpereshka. The comfortable river valley has created living conditions since ancient times. For this reason, it is dotted with dozens of archaeological sites from different eras, whose center is Perperikon.

The archeological medieval complex Perperikon is one of the most ancient monumental megalithic monuments, completely carved into the rocks. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria.

The cult activity of the rock peak began in the 5th millennium BC. and is associated with the cult of the Sun-God of the people of the Stone-Copper Age. Here they created the first sanctuary and placed vessels with food for the gods. These rites continued throughout the Bronze Age (III-II millennium BC). With the improvement of metal tools, it became possible to split hard rock. Just then the oval hall is formed with the huge round altar in the center. There the priests performed the sacred rituals with wine and fire. It is these cult practices that are characteristic of the temple of Dionysus, long sought after in the Rhodopes. Recent archaeological research clearly shows that it was located right on Perperikon. According to legend, two fateful prophecies were made from the altar of this temple. The first foretold the great conquests and glory of Alexander the Great, and the second, made several centuries later, foreshadowed the power and strength of the first Roman emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian Augustus.

 

During the last millennium of the old and the first centuries of the new era, the rock structures grew and became a city with fortress walls, palaces and suburbs. The royal residence of the Thracian tribe Bessi was probably located there. Subsequently, the Romans brought Perperikon their luxury and finesse, and the Goths ravaged and incinerated Perperikon in 378.

 

At the beginning of the 5th century, the rock town became an episcopal center, after Christianity was adopted in the Rhodopes. In the VII-XIV century Perperikon flourished as a regional center. For him many times wars were fought between Bulgarians and Byzantines. At the end of the 14th century, the Ottoman Turks conquered and destroyed the fortress, the ruins of which gradually sank into oblivion.

 

Today, the ancient glory of Perperikon is resurrected. The holy city is unique in archeological, historical, natural and multi-religious aspect, one of the wonders of the world. Many of the finds discovered during archeological excavations of Perperikon can be seen today in the Historical Museum in the town of Kardzhali.

 

It is reached by a well-maintained asphalt road, and at the foot of the hill there is a parking lot.