WOX - LANDSCAPE/SEASCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART WEEK #176 / Belogradchik Rocks

The natural wonder known as Belogradchik Rocks spans a length of 30 km and a width of 5 km. This chain of rock formations begins at Vedernik Peak and extends to the village of Belotintsi. As I stood there at the fortress entrance, the proud Belogradchik Rocks loomed before me. ❤️‍🔥

As I entered through the initial gateway I was met with a breathtaking spectacle, colossal rock structures that took on peculiar forms, the sturdy fortress walls and sweeping vistas. Undeniably, this is among Bulgaria's most impeccably conserved fortresses, tracing its roots back to the 1st century. 🤩

The fortress served a vital security role, guarding the strategic crossroads in the region. During late antiquity, it was part of the defense system for both the Roman and Byzantine Empires before being completed by the Bulgarians. 💥

On these unique rock formations, you can spot natural bonsai trees , century-old pines that grow atop the rocks. Despite their age of over 200-300 years, they remain small due to limited moisture and nutrients. 🌲

In 2007, the Belogradchik Rocks were nominated for the New Seven Wonders of the World competition. While they didn't make the final cut, they reached the penultimate nomination and ranked among the top 77 natural sites out of 261 nominees. More than 6.5 million people from around the world cast their votes for this remarkable geological wonder! 💕