Archaeological Complex Perperikon
   Photo: Archaeological Complex Perperikon

Perperikon - the archaeological complex of the medieval period, rock city, located at the Eastern Rhodopes, 20 km north-east of Kardzhali. Rises above sea level at an altitude of 470 meters. At its base - the village of Upper Fortress (Bulgarian. Gorna fortress) and the river Perpereshka.

This ancient monumental megalithic monument, carved in the rocks, perhaps the most majestic and mysterious of all the popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria.

Tor was converted for housing in the V millennium BC, at the time in the cultural life of the settlers dominant is a special pantheon of gods, among which was erected in the cult of the Sun God. People for the stone-copper era created the first sanctuary, which brought the vessels with offerings for the gods. During the Bronze Age priest continued, however, the development of metal tools carving opened the possibility of hard rock the whole room. After that the rock was cut through a huge oval hall, and in the center of the hall was a huge round altar of priestly rituals. According to the latest archaeological research, it was the temple of Dionysus at Perperikon.

The last millennium BC and the first couple of centuries after - a period of rapid development for the rock churches that grow into full-fledged city with palaces, fortifications and surrounding buildings. Presumably, this is where the palace that belonged to the king of the tribe of the Thracians - Besi. Later, the Romans taught Perperikon elegance and Gothic tribes in 378 robbed and burned rock city.

The next step for the city was the adoption of Christianity in the Rhodopes, and then rock the city becomes the seat of a bishop. In VII-VIX centuries Perperikon - the center of a thriving region. Bulgarians and Byzantines repeatedly staged the battle for the city. The end of the XIV century was marked by the arrival of the Turks, who captured the castle, and then destroy it - from the moment of the existence of Perperikon were gradually forgotten.

Former glory of Perperikon newly resurrected today the efforts of archaeologists, historians and culture experts. The city is also of interest from the religious point of view. Perperikon can be called one of the wonders of the world. Various exhibits discovered during the excavations at Perperikon, are stored in the town of Kardzhali History Museum.

Today Perperikon leads to well-asphalted road at the foot of the hill is equipped with a parking lot.

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Archaeological Complex Perperikon
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