Place in Vidin, Bulgaria
Photo: (WT-en) Pcvbulgaria at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Belogradchik (Bulgarian: Белоградчик) is a small town in North Bulgaria, in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. It's famous for the unique rock formations that surround it and the fortress nested in them. Nearby is also a famous cave open to visitors.
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Built into the towering rocks on the hilltop overlooking the town. The fortress, also called Kaleto, was begun by the Romans in the 1st-3rd centuries, continued by the Bulgarians and later completed by the Turks in the 19th century. From the top of the fortress, there are spectacular views of the surrounding hills and rock formations.
Bulgaria's most spectacular rock formations covering an area of 90 km². Some of the best views of the rocks are from the main square, the top of the fortress, the town park or along one of the many hiking trails. Belogradchik Rocks is a nominee for the New7Wonders of Nature [1]
There is an abandoned Ottoman Mosque, nearby to and easily visible from the fortress. It is said to have been built in 1751. The building itself is not very remarkable, but the minaret and Arabic artwork above the door are beautiful and worth taking a moment to admire.
A small museum featuring wildlife native to the region.
One of the most important European painted caves with some 750 paintings, which date back to the Neolithic of 8000-10,000 years ago. The cave is 2.5 km long, with multiple galleries.
It offers traditional Bulgarian cuisine and features many local and regional specialties.
Standard Bulgarian fare.
Hotel Dalia
2 apartments and 6 rooms, each with satellite TV and a separate bath, Wi-Fi Internet.
11 beds in 5 rooms, each with satellite TV and a separate bath.
By train
Trains on the Sofia-Vidin line (leaving from the Sofia Central Railway Station) stop at the village Oreshets, which is about 10 km to the east of Belogradchik.
By car
Belogradchik lies just off the main road between Montana and Vidin. From Sofia, the trip time by car is about 3 hours.
Belogradchik is a small town and is easily and most enjoyably experienced on foot. Limited taxi service is also available.
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