Thracian sanctuary Belintash description and photos - Bulgaria: Asenovgrad (Topic)

Thracian sanctuary Belintash description and photos - Bulgaria: Asenovgrad. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

The unique rock formation Belintash is located in the Rhodope Mountains near Asenovgrad. The area of 2.3 hectares, on which the rock is located, has been declared a natural monument.

A rock made of sedimentary rock (volcanic tuff) has been weathered and acquired unusual shapes. This is a kind of raised slab, 750 meters long, 30-50 meters wide, about 35 meters high. Belintash Rock, probably because of the many holes, was chosen by the Alpine swift, the common kestrel and the red-lumped swallow. The natural landmark Belintash is under the protection and control of the state.

Belintash is primarily famous for the fact that a sanctuary was built on its surface by the ancient Thracian tribe. It is possible that the Thracians built a sanctuary on a rock, to protect it from the raids of aggressive neighbors. It is believed that this ritual place was dedicated to the god Sabaziy. At the foot of the cliff, a silver tablet was found, on which was depicted a god sitting on a throne, entwined with snakes, according to experts, Sabaziy is an analogue of the ancient Greek god Dionysus. This find is now kept in the archaeological museum in Sofia.

The site on the rock is dotted with many man-made holes, they are connected to each other by straight lines. There is a version that this is a display of the constellations (Orion, Ursa Major, Leo), so perhaps the sanctuary was a kind of ancient observatory for the priests who predicted the future from the stars. In addition, two rather large wells are carved into the rock, which are filled with water. One of the opinions is that wells filled with water are natural “mirrors” reflecting the sky and starry pattern. It is also possible to use them for dissolving wine in water, which had a very important ritual value among the ancient Thracians.

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Topic: Thracian sanctuary Belintash description and photos - Bulgaria: Asenovgrad.