Skumsale, Megalithic sanctuary in Strelcha, Bulgaria.

Skumsale is a megalithic sanctuary on a north-south ridge near Strelcha, measuring 1,300 m long and 600 m wide. Its northern section centres on a 2.5-hectare meadow ringed by high rocks, with a rock throne facing northeast, a crescent-shaped ditch, and a central altar block split by a passage with a 12 m dromos.

Archaeological findings show continuous human presence from the 4th century BC through the 2nd century AD. Pottery and tools from different periods document the long-term use of this place by ancient peoples.

The site is one of several Thracian megalithic sanctuaries clustered near Strelcha, together with Kachulata, Kulata, Isara, Turchinov kamak and Studen kladenets. Archaeologists link these rock groups to sky observations; at nearby Kachulata, a gap frames sunrise on 21 June. Visitors can see rock-cut thrones, troughs and altars in the northern meadow.

The complex lies on a ridge oriented north-south, about 1,300 m long and 600 m wide, so allow time to walk between the separate rock groups. The northern sector centres on a meadow of roughly 25 decares ringed by a crescent-shaped ditch; the main altar block has a 12 m dromos on its south side. Finds have suffered from treasure hunters and stone quarrying, so stay on the rock and do not remove anything.

The northern meadow covers about 25 decares and is bordered by a crescent-shaped ditch cut by hand. On the eastern massif a rock throne faces northeast, with a smoothed platform on top turned south. Archaeologists also found a late Chalcolithic layer at the summit of the northern formation.