Urushki rock formations

Overview

Natural landmark "Urushki rocks" covers an area of ​​10ha covers a chain of majestic limestone rocks, located 5 km from Kotel on the road to Omurtag and Ticha. Next to it is the sanctuary "Talim Tash" to the north, to the east is the area "Zelenich", to the west is the area "Three Winds" and the ridge "Suhi Dyal". The rock formations are located at 800 m above sea level. The area is a natural habitat for birds of prey and one of the few places where the griffon vulture is found. An aviary has been built in the area, which currently is home to between eight and twelve birds. "Urushki rocks" are an important ornithological site. 176 species of birds have been identified on the entire territory of Kotlenska Mountain, of which 50 are included in the Red Book of Bulgaria.
Of the birds found here, 87 are species of European conservation importance. Impressive are the huge stones, scattered as if carelessly in the vicinity, the whole overgrown with moss and as if wrapped in some mysterious mystique. The locality "Talim Tash" comes from the Turkish language, and in translation means "soldier's stone". Historians, however, associate the area with the much earlier presence of the Thracians in these lands. Proof of this are the huge pieces of rock in which altars are carved. Researchers in the area suggest that the rock group was used as a cult sacrificial complex associated with solar ideas in the Thracian religion. The shape of the stones is domed, the walls have a strong slope; almost all have a flattened tip with concave circles - in the form of bowls and straight grooves. Obviously, the place is not accidental and actually served the ancient Thracian beliefs, traditions and customs.

Location: 5 km. from the town of Kotel on the way to Omurtag and Ticha.