Bristling with sandstone towers, a natural fortress used by Roman and Turkish invaders dominates the small city of Belogradchik in northwestern Bulgaria. Located near the Danube River and surrounded by lush greenery, it is an extraordinary belt of rocky spires about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long and 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) wide.
A traveler on the winding road to Belogradchik crosses a scenic pass, then continues through groves of leafy trees, and suddenly approaches these spectacular; colorful towers and obelisks, some more than 325 feet (100 meters) high. Needless to say, these intriguingly shaped natural structures have fired many an imagination and stimulated a host of local legends. There is, for example, the legend of the nun who fell in love with a handsome knight and was turned into one of the rocks by her mother superior. The “Dialogue of Adam and Eve” is a gigantic formation about 65 feet (20 meters) high, located at the foot of the fortress. Nearby are so-called monks, a knight on horseback, and a schoolgirl. An easily recognized dog, a surprisingly lifelike bea.t, and a cuckoo that emits strange noises when the wind blows are all part of the menagerie at Belogradchik.
The story of Belogradchik is one of erosion. The sandstone and conglomerate rocks were formed about 200 million years ago, when this area was covered by the sea. Limestone later developed on top of them. Then, some 20 million years ago, this part of the Balkans rose above sea level, and the rock formations here became folded—so much so that the sandstone and conglomerate were exposed to the elements. As erosion set in, it carved away the rock, except where erosion-resistant boulders in the formation protected the sandstone beneath. As a result, pyramidal shapes were formed, each capped by a mass of more resistant rock. Sarah loves travel, but right now she is writing blog content for www.insure.ie and saving up for her next big trip.