Мегалитно светилище под Царев връх, Megalithic sanctuary near Tsarev Peak, Bulgaria

The Megalithic Sanctuary beneath Tsarev Peak stretches about 5 km along the Rila ridge between Markov Peak and the western foot of Tsarev Peak, at 2000–2200 m elevation. It is marked by megalithic boulders with small carved basins and runoff channels, and in its centre lies an elongated rock containing a trilith. West of the trilith stand the main stone groups, including the so-called "megalithic egg".

Archaeological excavations between 2001 and 2006 uncovered artifacts spanning from the Late Bronze Age through the pre-Roman period and into Late Antiquity. These findings show that people used this location as a spiritual center across thousands of years and multiple cultural periods.

The 2001 field survey led by Prof. Vasil Markov began at the springs of the Blagoevgradska Bistritsa, guided by legends about Krali Marko. Dozens of rock-cut altars with round hollows and runoff channels were recorded there, below the western foot of Tsarev Peak. According to the Life of Patriarch Euthymius and folk tradition, Tsar Peter I met and consulted St. Ivan Rilski on the peak.

The sanctuary lies on the Rila ridge between Markov Peak and the western foot of Tsarev Peak, at 2000–2200 m, and stretches about 5 km. The main rock groups and the trilith stand in the central part, with the megalithic "egg" west of the trilith; the ground falls steeply south toward the Blagoevgradska Bistritsa valley. Plan for high-mountain weather and sturdy footwear.

A trilithic stone structure at the site aligns with the summer solstice sunrise, showing that ancient people here possessed sophisticated knowledge of the sky and seasons. This architectural choice reveals how closely these inhabitants observed and measured celestial events for their spiritual practices.