The Assenova Fortress is the best known highland fortress in Bulgaria. It is situated in an exceptionally beautiful region of the Rhodope Range. The fortress is built at a strategic point to guard and control the ancient road between the Aegean lands and the Thracian valley. The fortress is proclaimed National monument of culture and is one of the places on the list of the 100 National Tourist Sites. It is open for visitors all year round and is one of the most beautiful and interesting corners of this country.  Photo: BGNES

The natural phenomenon, known to local people as Stone Forest or the planted stones (“pobitite kamani” in Bulgarian) spreads across the western part of the Varna Plateau on an area of 50 square kilometers. A small part of the overall complex stands close to the town of Beloslav. The locality is known as the Sand-pit as it was the source of quartz sand derived for the needs of the glass plant at Beloslav.  The unique thing here is that at the spot one can observe all five levels of the Planted Stones.  Photo: BTA