Karadjov stone - Bulgaria

victoria.tomova (34)in #travel • 6 years ago

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The area and the same name " Karadzhov Kamak " are located in close proximity to the village of Mostovo in the Western Rhodopes. It is a high rock plateau (a peak of 1448 m high), whose steep walls form a natural narrow chalet, in which a huge stone - the so-called Karadzhov Kamak - is laid . The area of the plateau of the same name has been declared a protected area since 06 August 2003. During an archaeological study conducted by Dr. Ivan Hristov (NAIM at BAS) in 2003 it was found that Karadzhov stone performed the function of a sanctuary in the early Iron Age and the late Antiquity.

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Mount Karadjov stone (1448 m above sea level) is situated in the most southeastern part of Gradish Ridge in the Rhodope Mountains. The site is a high rock plateau with steep vertical highs of over 100m rocks. The plateau occupies an area of 4550 m². There are dozens of pits of natural origin all over the plateau but processed by human hand. The only approach to the plateau is from the southwest through a rocky slit called by the local Boisa (Proception). The gap is 18 m high and at the top there are about 10 carved steps, washed thoroughly by the running rainwater.

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The first archaeological excavations on the plateau were carried out only in 2004 by a team of archaeologist Dr. Ivan Hristov. Three boreholes are located in the lower parts, between convex rocks above the surrounding terrain. It has been found that a large number of fragments of ceramic vessels have been ceremonially buried between the rocks on which chutes and pits are carved. The ceramics found on the site were dated by archaeologists to the second phase of the early Iron Age (VIII - VI c. BC).

Hristov dates back to the existence of the sanctuary mainly in two periods - the first in the Early Iron Age, and the second - from the end of the 3rd century to the beginning of the 4th century (thanks to numismatic material found around the site). However, the location of the sanctuary in the Belintash area shows an earlier date dating back to the New Stone Age and its later re-use by the Thracians.

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As with other ancient sanctuaries, there are several levels here. The first level is called the Lower Worship Ground, followed by carved steps - a transition to the higher part, where there are small holes cut in the rocks.

Karadjov Stone is above all an impressive rock phenomenon surrounded by the wonderful nature of the Kormisosh Reserve. The access to the top of the rock is secured by a metal railing and a wooden ladder, passing just under the stone. The last few steps are cut by the Thracians - it does not impress anyone because they are lethal and there are many other things that attract attention. The climb is rather steep and you have to be careful. The view from the top of the plateau is incredible - the slopes of the nearby Rhodopes are nearby - Belintash, Krastova Gora and the area of the Marziganitsa hut. The descent is the same as the railing, because the other walls of the plateau are vertical.

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Due to the fact that this landmark is only reached after a pedestrian crossing and is declared a protected area, nature is preserved intact. The route goes to places on the ridge, which reveals beautiful panoramic views.

The inscriptions on the plateau were carried out in 2004 by a team of archaeologist Ivan Hristov. Three boreholes are located in the lower parts, between convex rocks above the surrounding terrain. It has been found that a large number of fragments of ceramic vessels have been ceremonially buried between the rocks on which chutes and pits are carved. The ceramics found on the site were dated by the archaeologists to the second phase of the early Iron Age (VIII - VI c. BC).