A place with unique atmosphere

Belintash is a beautiful and mysterious place in the heart of the Northern Rhodope Mountains. It is a plateau rock formation, 750 meters long, from 30 to 50 meters wide and about 50 meters high. It was formed from volcanic-sedimentary rocks (volcanic tuffs). The name of the place means White Stone. Picturesque shapes were formed as a result of the specific weathering of the rock.

Belintash is a high rock plateau with 360 degrees breathtaking panorama all around. More than 7000 years ago, here housed the largest sanctuary of the Thracian god Sabazios who was the sky father god. He was also god of the plants, agriculture, medicine, nature, man etc. Later on the ancient Greeks renamed Sabazios to Dionysius and used him in their pantheon of gods. The Greeks interpreted Sabazios with both Zeus and Dionysus, representations of him.

The place is actually a funnel-shaped rock structure whose narrow end is at the bottom and above there is a 300-meter plateau. To the plateau lead stone stairs. Its height is about 35 meters. Dated 5th century BC, but according to some scientists is much more ancient.

Archaeologists agree that this is an ancient sanctuary of the god Sabazios worshiped by the Thracian tribe Bessi, who once inhabited the Rhodope Mountains. In support of this view a silver votive tablet of the deity was found at the foot of the cliff.It is aslo assumed that in the past this was the main Thracian sanctuary in this part of Europe, in emulation of the famous Delphic one. According to historical sources Belintash was a place for offerings and prediction. In fiery altars priests poured wine and according to the flame height they predicted the future.

On the smooth surface of the plateau are stored hundreds of iconic rock hewn wells, channels and otheritems for religious use of unresolved character. According to some opinions these creations of the human hand are one of the oldest maps of stars and constellations, dating back 7000 years ago. Because of that some researchers suggest that Belintash was an ancient observatory as well.

Legends and myths

Belintash is subject of many myths, legends, and researches. There is a legend saying that exactly here when the flood began to withdraw was anchored the ark of Noah. This holy site is often visited by physicists who come here to measure the specific energy that the place emerges. In the early 90’ies a treasure hunter went to the very famous Bulgarian prophet – Vanga and asked whether it was worth digging near Belintash. She replied that the eastern slope of the plateau was an ancient graveyard and there was about 800 kg of buried gold. The prophet woman also said that eight lives must be taken in order to uncover the secrets of Belintash. According to a legend the golden chariot of Alexander the great is buried at Belintash.

Why visit Belintash

Many reasons make this place unforgettable and breathtaking – the beautiful nature, the unique and fresh atmosphere and the amazing energy.

More to see nearby

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