Medieval complex "Perperikon"
The greatest Megalith ensemble on the Balkan peninsula is perched on a rocky hill, called Perperikon. Started first during the Bronze Age, the activity of hewing forms in the rocks was continued with a great will during the early Iron Age, 11th – 6th century B.C. Also from the same period is the rich ceramic complex that was found during the ordinary archaeological excavations. What was most striking of all, during these excavations, was finding an impressive, carved in the rocks, circular stone altar with a diameter of about 2 m.
The epoch of the Roman Empire had a great influence over the complex. The archaeological studies and excavations show that an impressive palace has been erected there. This palace was few storeys high and was erected on the rock carvings. Around the hill there was built a fortress of impressive size and dimensions, the walls being 2,8 m thick. Complete districts of houses and churches were built in the fortress. Nowadays most of these buildings are still under the ground, but some hewed in the rock streets were discovered and this reveals the fact that once there existed a well-developed infrastructure. This impressive Megalithic monument has fallen victim to several attacks during the centuries, being razed to the ground and afterwards restored again and again.
“St. John the Precursor " Monastery complex
One of the most significant Medieval monuments was found in the town of Kardzhali – and it is “St. John the Precursor” church in “Veselchane” residential district, which was restored to its present form in the year 2000. It was part of a Medieval monastery complex dating back to 11th – 14th century, when the monastery fortress becomes an episcopate residency as well.
Facts that prove this are the newly found tomb of a bishop, as well as the unique bishop vestments that are already restored and preserved. The hypothesis that near the town of Kardzhali exists a second episcopate centre was supported by the latest archaeological studies during the year 2001.
The Stone Mushrooms
Near the village of Beli Plast there have been found 35 votive tablets, dedicated to the Hero God – The Thracian horseman. At this place there existed a Thracian sanctuary. Above the village, next to the road on the hill, under the peak of Karatebe one can see the Stone Mushrooms which are 3 m high and have the harmonious forms of real mushrooms. They all have pink spots, pure blocks and greenish cowls, all being inexplicably beautiful. They are chiseled in riolythic volcano tuffs.