The Belogradchik fortress and the Belogradchik rocks

Location

The Belogradchik Rocks are a natural rock formation, set on the North-western Bulgaria in the vicinity of town of Belogradchik. They extend 30 km on the lenght of the Belogradchik fault.

History

The Belogradchik fortress is one of the most preserved in the country. In I-III century The Romans, using the natural impregnability of the rocks, hold here a fortress to guard the strategic ways that crossed the region. In the remote past it is a part of the strong defensive system of the Roman, subsequently of the Byzantine empire, that crossed the North slopes of The Balkan mountains. It is stabilized later by Bulgarians. Its meaning increases after the separation of the Vidin's kingdom, that included the territories of today's North-West Bulgaria, parts of the East Serbia and The South-West Romania. This Bulgarian fortress (at that time called Belgrad) is one of the latest fallen under the power of Turks - in the end of the XIV century.

They placed here a garrison, that played an important role in the guard of the western areas of the country and in the crushing of the uprisings of the Bulgarian population. During 1805-1837 under the guidance of French and Italian engineers it is widened and is reorganized for using fire weapon. The memorial tablets concerned to the building are in Turkish and Bulgarian - a single example in the history of buildings of Turkish fortresses. The fortress consists of three grounds (every with possibility of autonomous defense) with common square of 10 211 sq. m and one separate fortification. It has two main gates - Vidin kapiya and Nish kapiya. Embrasures for rifles are formed on the fortified walls (length up to 10 m). There are three gun bastions and three embrasures. The fortress have had 15-16 guns. There were constructed barracks and stores, arsenals, a prison, flour- and salt mills, four water depots. In war time the number of defenders of the fortress and the nearest uplands reaches 3000 persons. For the last time it was used as a war outfit during the Serbian-Bulgarian war in 1885.

The legend of the Belogradchik Rocks

Centuries ago, men and women monasteries existed up there surrounded by the Belogradchik rocks. Early every morning, the monastic bells would call for prayer, the devoted to God nuns. The youngest amongst them, the obedient Valentina, was unable to hide her beauty, even under her cassock.

Just one measly time a year, on "Petrov Den", the people were allowed to visit the monastery. On this festive day, fate met the young nun, with the proud roman patrician, Antonio. Days of happy pensiveness were coming along. While one night, Antonio climbed a rope and stepped over into Valentina's cell. The sin was committed.

Quiet and calm nights followed, filled with love and voluptuous embraces. Love is a wonderful spell. It has its own laws. Though human intelligence, however strong it may be, steps aside. But soon, her illicit love was uncovered. Behind the thick monastery walls, everything could be hidden, but not that childish cry.

Valentina was made to face trial before the court of the monks and nuns. It took a long time for them to think of a heavy punishment for Valentina. She listened compromisingly, snuggling her baby in a warm embrace. Finally, they came to a steady verdict. They decided to anathematize and throw her out of the monastery. To wander everywhere, insulted and cursed, like a symbol of treachery, ascribed honor and virtue of a woman.

The monks proceeded to their monastery. Accursed and banished, Valentina stood outside the gates, holding her child in her arms. At this time, from the hill, Antonio appeared, riding his white horse, dubious of the revelation, and of the callous sentence.

And then a miracle happened - God sent a storm, thunder and an earthquake - and the monastery buckled. Everything around had turned to stone. Valentina turned into a stone Madonna, holding baby in arms. All of them exist even today - the Madonna with the child, the Horseman, and the Monks, who were on their way to the monastery.

Internet source: www.belogradchik-bg.com
Pictures: Mirela