Thracian-roman rock cult complex along the Taban River

Overview

Thracian-roman rock cult complex along the Taban River
It is situated along the Taban river. It includes four rock temples situated near the Voynovo village. Strelkovo Village, Vasil Levski Village, Pop Rusanovo Village and Kutlovitsa. It is assumed that the underground sanctuaries with galleries, altars and platforms can be connected with the cult of the deified  by the Thracian getae hero Zelmokis. The most remarkable rock phenomenon in the region was chosen for center of the cult practices - over 20 meters high rocks (Badzhaliyata) on the east arm of the Taban River. At this place, the dry valley is extended to form a deep hollow plane surrounded by the rocks that have formed dozens of caves.

Strelkovo Village
Rock Temple – formed in a large cave, which can be reached by a tunnel carved into the rock. In the right of the cave is the most thoroughly cut space in the complex - a deep oval contrary in section and half oval in front altar. On the site in front of the altar of the Rock temple were made sacrifices centuries-long.
Rock cult site- located about 220 meters southwest from “Badzhaliyata”, on the left bank of the dry valley. The tip is cut and perfectly aligned, forming a platform with a trapezoidal shape oriented in the cardinal directions. A broad view reveals  the site and establishes a direct visual contact with the altar of "Badzhaliyata”, the throne, the hill cemetery on the top of a high plateau along the road Silistra - Varna and the third rock ring to the northeast. The site was used for astronomical observations related to the astrological practices of pilgrims of Zelmokis.
Rock Throne– there is a big rock block about 50 meters northwest of the "Badzhaliyata”. It is carved in the form of a throne with a seat and backrest, which is in direct visual contact with the altar of the sanctuary.
Cult rock pit - located 150 meters northeast of the “Badzhaliyata” and positioned above a small cave. From the entrance of the cave, through a cut in the rock steps can be reached a small rock platform, which is further evened. On it, just above the cave is carved rock pit with a rectangular entrance.

Rock sanctuary "Kirindzhika"
It is located 2.5 km south of the "Badzhaliyata" on the right bank of the Taban River. The eastern half is carefully shaped in rectangular site. To the right of the site, at the foot of the eastern wall of the rock is carefully carved semi-circular, arch-shaped in the bottom end niche-altar.

Rock sanctuary near the village of Kutlovitsa
Located 3 km south of «Kirindzhika" and 1.5 km east of the village of Kutlovitsa. On the right bank of the dry valley rises a natural rock arch (bridge). About 25 m south of the arch there is a natural rock cavity that is shaped as an altar.

Rock sanctuary near the village of Vasil Levski
Located about 3 km. north of the "Badzhaliyata" and as the other three is located on the right bank of the dry valley of the Taban River. Very attractive natural structure resembling a medieval rock  castle adjusted for a sanctuary. For this purpose, five natural rock cavities on the facade of the rock ring were shaped by cutting as cult niches.

Rock sanctuary near the village of Voynovo
Includes cave and altar at the foot. The surrounding area is full of rare rock and natural phenomena. There is a cave next to the rock sanctuary, used by monks for a cell - Hermits from X century AD.

Location: Bulgaria, Silistra district, Strelkovo village, Vasil Levski Village, Pop Rusanovo Village and Kutlovitsa – dry valley of Taban River /Malak Kanagyol/