Beglik Tash

Beglik Tash sits on a wooded rise above the sea north of Primorsko, a group of very large rounded granite boulders that have been arranged, split and cut into a sanctuary in use from around the second millennium BC: there is a stone circle, a split rock forming a passage, a sundial-like arrangement, basins, and a rock throne, with a marked route running between them and interpretation panels. It was only identified in 2003, having been inside a closed government zone for decades, which is why it is a recent addition to the Bulgarian archaeological map. The boulders themselves are natural and the working is a matter of arrangement and modification rather than construction, which is part of what makes it hard to read.

What you actually see

• A stone circle of large boulders - the central arrangement of the sanctuary.
• The split rock passage - a cleft used as a way through.
• Cut basins and a rock throne - the worked features among the stones.
• A site found only in 2003 - hidden in a closed zone for decades.

When to go

April to October. One to two hours. Mornings are quieter; summer afternoons bring resort excursions. The walk between the stones is short and shaded by trees.

Honest expectations

Much of the interpretation is speculative and stated with more confidence than the evidence supports. It is small and an hour covers it. It is busy with coach parties from the resorts in summer. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Primorsko is south; the Ropotamo reserve lies north.