published on 12.12.2007, 14:30 Author: Vanina Paskaleva Article rating:
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A large archaeological complex, Perperikon brings together information about several eras and civilizations.
Perperikon is situated in the Eastern Rhodope region, 15 km away from the town of Kurdzhali.
Over the years archaeologists and treasure hunters explored the 470-m high hill, where Perperikon is located. The most important works began in 2000 and are still ongoing.
Large part of the complex is probably still undiscovered. Historians believe that the megalith complex served as a stone sanctuary of Dionysus, a god that both Thracians and Greeks revered.
A large number of human and animal sacrifices probably took place there. A two-meter high stone altar served the purpose. The rituals also involved the usage of fire and wine.
The hill hosts a stone temple. This construction signifies development of civilization that used stone both as a tool and as a construction material. Archaeologists still have not found out how the large construction came into existence without the use of metal utensils.
Early Christian church and a fort wall have also been preserved. The church has its unique altar that is today safely placed in the Kurdzhali museum.
Archaeologists also found the remains of a city or a suburb but managed to renovate only parts of the streets and some of the residential buildings.
To understand Perperikon’s history fully, it is best to visit the Kurdzhali museum before getting there. There, you can get more information about the complex and can hire a guide.
Get ready for a long walk up the hill. Climbing the steep steps lasts nearly 20 minutes. Going down might be dangerous in case you are not dressed properly.
A guide can present the complex in an hour and a half or two hours. It is possible to find ancient artifacts while walking in the complex and the wisest thing to do is to submit those to the guide. Merchants offer books and movies about Perperikon. Similar ones can be purchased in Kurdzhali, as well.
If you have decided to pay a visit, it would be best to travel to Tatoul afterwards. A similar complex near the village will present a complete picture and will give you more knowledge about the history of the region.
Perperikon is situated in the Eastern Rhodope region, 15 km away from the town of Kurdzhali.
Over the years archaeologists and treasure hunters explored the 470-m high hill, where Perperikon is located. The most important works began in 2000 and are still ongoing.
Large part of the complex is probably still undiscovered. Historians believe that the megalith complex served as a stone sanctuary of Dionysus, a god that both Thracians and Greeks revered.
A large number of human and animal sacrifices probably took place there. A two-meter high stone altar served the purpose. The rituals also involved the usage of fire and wine.
The hill hosts a stone temple. This construction signifies development of civilization that used stone both as a tool and as a construction material. Archaeologists still have not found out how the large construction came into existence without the use of metal utensils.
Early Christian church and a fort wall have also been preserved. The church has its unique altar that is today safely placed in the Kurdzhali museum.
Archaeologists also found the remains of a city or a suburb but managed to renovate only parts of the streets and some of the residential buildings.
To understand Perperikon’s history fully, it is best to visit the Kurdzhali museum before getting there. There, you can get more information about the complex and can hire a guide.
Get ready for a long walk up the hill. Climbing the steep steps lasts nearly 20 minutes. Going down might be dangerous in case you are not dressed properly.
A guide can present the complex in an hour and a half or two hours. It is possible to find ancient artifacts while walking in the complex and the wisest thing to do is to submit those to the guide. Merchants offer books and movies about Perperikon. Similar ones can be purchased in Kurdzhali, as well.
If you have decided to pay a visit, it would be best to travel to Tatoul afterwards. A similar complex near the village will present a complete picture and will give you more knowledge about the history of the region.
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Bulgarian land keeps evidence of numerous historic events. Tombs and ancient temples have been uncovered time and time again to prove this fact. Archaeologists were able to find a number of such valuable sites before treasure hunters got their turn.
These ancient discoveries determine Bulgaria as an interesting destination for those interested in history and archeology.
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Perperikon