Bulgaria Inside

The secret of the rock phenomenon called Belintash still remains concealed. The ancient Thracian sanctuary is situated in the Rhodope Mountain region, 30 km away from the town of Asenovgrad.

To reach the rock, you have to head from Asenovgrad to Kurdzhali. Take the road diversion leading to the village of Cherven and head to Oreshets. Keep straight direction once you reach Mostovo. To reach Belintash you have to turn left in Vratata district. To get more directions it will be best to ask locals for help.

Numerous legends have been told about Belintash.

Some connect the rock to Noah’s arc. According to the story, the rock sheltered the arc. The rings carved into the stone prove this story.

Numerous small pits and grooves were carved on the upper surface of Belintash. Two wells were also created on the plateau. These fill with water year-round.

The grooves have length reaching up to eight m and width of 15 cm. They connect the numerous ritual pits and allow water to from one to another.

Belintash is a word meaning white or good stone. It might also have Turkish origin meaning rock of knowledge.

Some researchers claim that the pits are one of the oldest star maps created nearly 7000 years ago.

Despite the numerous legends, one thing is certain. Belintash was a Thracian sanctuary honoring Sabazius. A plate dedicated to the god was discovered in the foot of the rock. The plate depicts Sabazius sitting on a throne together with snakes. The snakes symbolize development and the circle of life.
Sacrificial rituals probably took place there used by priests to predict the future.

According to another legend, Alexander the Great hid a golden chariot in a secret cave near Belintash.