Thracian cult complex “Orlovi skali”

Here's why Orlovi Skali deserves a place on your Bulgarian bucket list:

Uniqueness: This isn't your average museum – it's a living, breathing monument to a vanished civilization. The sheer number and intricate details of the niches are awe-inspiring, making you wonder about the beliefs and practices that took place here.
Mystery and Intrigue: Every niche tells a story, but one we'll never fully decipher. The lack of archaeological excavations adds to the mystique, allowing your imagination to run wild.
Nature's Symphony: It's a place to soak in nature's serenity and connect with something ancient.
Easy Access: Located just outside Arduino, Orlovi Skali is easy to reach. A short trail leads you to the rock face, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Tips for fellow time travelers:
Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you're planning to stay a while.
Let your imagination soar! This is a place to lose yourself in the mysteries of the past.

Short hike, great place to visit

Unique atmosphere, easily accessible, definitely worth visiting.

It is not organized archeological sight, so there weren't entrance fee. From parking place there is a two paths, turistic path - 5 minutes, and eco path - 15 minutes. Information are allowed only in Bulgarian.

Magnificent landmark from thousand of years

Simply amazing! So unique and peaceful. The hike is also beautiful. A must-see place in Ardino. Mind you there are two ways to get to the complex after you park: a 15-min eco path and a 5-min trail.

The rock is dotted with niches, which at present must be about 96 in number. They are mainly south of the rock, but there are also western ones. The turnoff for the place is at the entrance of the town of Ardino from the side of the town of Kardjali. The road to the place is not long, but it is quite narrow and winding. After the entrance there are two paths. The one that is straight leads to the rock in about 5-8 minutes. The second path is about fifteen meters to the left after the entrance. Look for a sign on a tree. They call it "The path with verses". This trail is more circuitous, a little longer and a little steeper. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the rock. It takes so much time because there are verses written on tables in about 10-20 meters of the thickness and because of the stops to read the time is extended, but that's how one rests. GPS 41.568130,25.145105

It is an incredible place, look amazing.

Wish there was much more information about it. Nothing in English, cannot find even online. Very little information about such an important place for regions history.

Excellent combination of ancient history and nature!

Amazing views. Lovely walk to the actual place. The sign with arrows is wrong so if you stand with your back to the information board, you will see one road on your right, one in front of you and one on your left. You want to take the road in front of you despite what the arrows say.

Nice place. 2BGN entry fee if there is someone there to collect it. About 15-20 hike to the place after you park the car. The road there is one lane and you would think it is taking you to the middle of nowhere but it's the right way

Very nice, amazing Place

You can drive to there and after that you have 5 min hiking in the woods

Nice place! 5 min hiking.

A unique Thracian place of worship, which can be more than 2500 years old! Totally worth visiting, takes 10 mins by car from Ardino + 10-15 min walk.

Very spiritual place.

Very spiritual. You can feel the energy all over the place.

Mystic and energetic place. Tracians are one of the oldest cultures in the world and in places like these You can feel their magic and imagine their way of life and honouring the gods.

Must to see! That place is a hidden pearl ! Unique prehistoric monument older/!!!/ than Stonehenge but without all the crowds at perfectly promoted landmark in southern England

A short and reasonably easy hike to the place, very easy to find, signposted very well, which is a refreshing change ;-)