Nice Places in Bulgaria. Bulgaria Guide.

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As well as the stone formations above ground, there are another two and at certain points even three subterranean levels at a depth of 30 metres. Fashioned by nature, the sight is unique not only to Bulgaria but to the world too. Here is Stilian Markov with his story again. If you are with your partner, even if he may be well advanced in age, don’t miss the chance to glimpse their back of the head through the fidelity hollow. If you happen to visit Varna on the Black Sea, don’t rush to say goodbye to the city. If you’re in luck, you may across, while viewing the queer-shaped stones, certain specimens of local animal and plant life such as the ant lion, small lizards, as well as rare plant species, some of which are endangered worldwide. In certain parts of Pobiti Kamani you will discover dense crowds of stone pillars, distinctly shaped by the invisible touch of natural elements down the ages. In my private collection I have a post card with a Pobiti Kamani picture, which is just over a hundred years old”, says tourist guide Stilian Markov. In the wake of the publication, many a scientist from across the world traveled to the place to explore the area and the make-up of the stones. Motoring down the road tourists can see the so called “Camel”, which has two faces - if looked at from the opposite side, the figure resembles a sitting dog. Myth and legend abound too, some of them quite amusing and imported. Nearly a century earlier, English geologist Sierat explored the area and made its first depiction on an engraving. Numerous Bulgarian scientists have been delving into the mysteries of the place. On your way out, some 20 km to the West, you’ll come across a mystical stone forest, known as “Pobiti Kamani” in Bulgarian. Only after they’ve glimpsed your, that is! Pobiti Kamani was the first officially proclaimed in and protected natural site in Bulgaria. Right on top there’s a crop of grass which looks like hair, adding up to the make belief. Set aside half a day to have a good look at the mystical fossil figures, bearing the brunt of million of years on their shoulders. Several hypotheses on the origin of the stones have been put forward. Since time immemorial “Pobiti Kamani” has been a sacred site, believed to be the source of immense energies. Some of the pillars resemble animals, others look like a weeping woman holding an infant to her bosom or a decrepit old man. Stilian Markov, a professional guide of 15 years, says: “A Russian war correspondent by the name of Victor Teplyakov found his way to the area in 1829. The environs of the city are worth having a look at, too. The first records of this natural phenomenon go back to the 19th c. The four layers can be viewed at the same time at the so-called geological openings “The Quarry” and “The Rock”. The impressive stone figures rise to a height of 7-10 m and measure 3m across. The latest one argues they had come to being around natural gas sources on the bed of an ancient sea. The name “Pobiti Kamani” comes from the fact that the stones have no foundations and stand erect, just driven into the ground. There is also a stone mushroom, as well as group of three figures, named “The Family”, says Stilian Markov. They have established beyond any doubt that the stone formations are over 50 million years old. They spread over a huge area - 70-sq.km. Well, if my own experience is anything to go by, then it does work indeed. When he returned to Russia, he published a volume “Letters from Bulgaria”, which mentioned ”Pobiti Kamani” for the first time in print as the likely remains of ancient buildings or creations of nature. Written by Albena Bezovska Translated by Margarita DikanarovaПубликувано на 05 Април 2008 в 07:39 BG Българско Национално Радио. You know, we have only one such specimen, standing near the entrance.