Orlovi Skali, Megalith sanctuary in Ardino, Bulgaria.
Orlovi Skali is a rock formation featuring approximately 97 trapezoid-shaped niches carved into its western face. These depressions rise about 30 meters (98 feet) above the surrounding forest, displaying the careful craftsmanship of ancient times.
The site originated in the late Bronze Age as a sacred location where religious ceremonies took place. Over centuries, people conducted rituals here that likely involved ritual offerings and spiritual practices.
The carved niches show how ancient people used this rocky outcrop as a place of worship and spiritual practice. Visitors can observe the careful placement of each depression, revealing how important this location was to those who created it.
The site sits within a forested area and is reachable on foot from Ardino town center. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven, and it becomes slippery after rain.
The rock contains an intricate network of carved channels connecting circular basins, revealing that people here possessed advanced technical skills for conducting ritual liquid ceremonies. This channel system was carefully engineered, suggesting that water or other liquids held central importance in their ceremonial life.
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