Belogradchik Rocks

Belogradchik Rocks Stratigraphic range: Permian, 230 Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N ↓
A view of the Belogradchik Rocks
Type	Geological unit
Unit of	Balkan Mountains
Area	641.31 ha
Lithology
Primary	Sandstone, conglomerate
Location
Coordinates	43°37′15″N 22°41′6″E / 43.62083°N 22.68500°E / 43.62083; 22.68500
Region	Vidin Province
Country	Bulgaria
Type section
Named for	Belogradchik

The Belogradchik Rocks (Bulgarian: Белоградчишки скали, Belogradchishki skali) are a group of strange shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. The rocks vary in color from primarily red to yellow; some of the rocks reach up to 200 m in height. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named for people or objects they are thought to resemble. The Belogradchik Rocks have been declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government and are a major tourist attraction in the region. They are the only habitat of the critically endangered Bulgarian endemic plant Hieracium belogradcense.

The Belogradchik Rocks are spread over the western part of the Balkan Mountains and cover an area of 50 km². They extend from the village of Rabisha in the west to the village of Belotintsi in the east.

The central group of rocks is situated just to the south and adjacent to the town of Belogradchik. Located here are the most interesting and impressive formations: Adam and Eve, the Mushrooms, the Schoolgirl, the Bear, the Dervish, the Shepherd Boy, the Lion, the Camel, the Madonna, the Horseman, the Monks, the goddess Bendida, the Rebel Velko, and many other stone figures.

The second group of rocks lies to the west of Belogradchik. The rocks are of the Alpine variety and are surrounded by steep precipices. The most famous of these rocks are Zbegovete, Erqupriya, and Boritch

The third group of rocks lies 4 km. to the east of Belogradchik and includes the rocks around the Latin Gate and the Lipenik Cave.

The fourth group of rocks lies between the villages of Borovitsa and Falkovets. These rocks include the Pine Stone, the Bee Stone, the Torlak, and the Maid’s Rock.

The fifth group of rocks lies between the villages of Gyurgich and Belotintsi.

Many fantastic rock figures and small valleys with steep vertical slopes have formed over hundreds of millions of years as a result of the natural processes of erosion, denudation, growth of mosses and lichens, and other natural factors.