Medieval Stronghold Perperikon
The earliest traces of human civilisation discovered at Perperikon are dated to the late Neolithic Period, 6th-5th millennium BC. Fragments of Neolithic pottery were found deposited in the natural crevices of the cliff. However, at this point in time Perperikon was not yet a settled village but a place of worship. Initial archaeological excavations at Perperikon revealed a site described by the ancient authors as the 'Temple of Dionysus in Mount Rhodope'. Later archaeological excavations in 1983 unearthed a considerable portion of the northern slope and one can only imagine the sight that met the eye of the ancient beholder... The mammoth rock with thousands of alters cut in its side and the magnificent shrine perched on its top.
Archaeological finds at Perperikon have been quite exceptional. A fragment of a bronze statuette of a Thracian horseman (1st-2nd century AD), a unique silver ring dating back to the 2nd-3rd century AD with a carnelian intaglio depicting Helios, the Greek sun god, driving his quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses. The Middle Ages also enjoy a multitude of splendid finds in Perperikon's archaeological teasure trove.
Perperikon is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, 15 km northeast of the present-day town of Kardzhali, on a 470m high rocky hill, which is thought to have been a sacred place. The village of Gorna Krepost (Upper Castle) is located at the foot of the hill and the gold-bearing Perpereshka River flows near it. Perperikon is the largest megalith ensemble in the Balkans. It is thought that the famous sanctuary and oracular shrine dedicated to Dionysus of the Bessi was situated there. Perperikon is an archaeological day trip from Melanya and can be incorporated with a visit to the town of Kardzhali. Other Neolithic sites are within a few hours drive during your archaeological holidays in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains.
