The Kardzhali province is the mysterious world of the **Eastern Rhodope mountains** where the earth is filled with ancient stone. Your first stop must be the holy city of **Perperikon** which is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Balkans. You can walk through a massive palace and a sanctuary carved directly into the rock on top of a high hill. This was a sacred place for the ancient Thracians who used the stone altars for their rituals thousands of years ago. The view from the top stretches over the entire Arda river valley. Drive toward the town of **Ardino** to find the Devil’s Bridge which is a masterpiece of medieval engineering. This stone bridge spans the Arda river and is hidden deep within a narrow mountain gorge. You can park your car nearby and walk down to the river bank to see the perfect reflection of the arches in the water. Local legends say the devil’s footprint is hidden somewhere in the stones. The area is very quiet and surrounded by thick forests making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. End your journey through the south by visiting the Stone Wedding near the city of **Kardzhali**. These are natural rock formations that look like a group of people at a wedding ceremony. The soft volcanic rock has been eroded into strange shapes that are pink and yellow in color. You can walk among these stone figures and explore the small trails that lead through the hills. This province is a land of secrets where every rock seems to have a story from the ancient past.

Kardzhali (province) highlights

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The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

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History of Kardzhali (province)

Kardzhali is the **City of Stones**. The Eastern Rhodopes were the sacred heartland of the **Thracians**, who carved the mountain peaks into monumental altars. The crown jewel is **Perperikon**, a megalithic complex that was a holy city and royal palace 3,500 years ago. It is believed to be the site of the Temple of Dionysus, where Alexander the Great received a prophecy that he would conquer the world. The province medieval history is a tale of strategic bridge building and mountain strongholds. The **Devil Bridge**, built in the 16th century over the Arda River, is an engineering marvel that has never been damaged by floods, despite its elegant, thin arch. The region unique identity comes from the mix of Christians and Muslims who have lived in these valleys for centuries, creating a **Rhodopean Culture** famous for its massive bagpipes and stone baked bread. A road trip here is a journey through **Natural Sculptures**. You will pass the **Stone Mushrooms** and the **Stone Wedding**, volcanic tufa formations that look like figures frozen in time. Between the ruins of the **Moniak Fortress** and the turquoise meanders of the **Arda River**, the province offers a landscape that feels prehistoric. It is a place where the history is quite literally carved into the rock.

Kardzhali (province)