Светилище Кози камък, Ancient rock sanctuary near Kovachevitsa, Bulgaria
The Kozi Kamyk sanctuary is a rock complex that rises approximately 30 meters above ground and features narrow stairs carved directly into the stone leading to the upper platform. The main platform displays hundreds of circular holes of varying sizes and contains spaces that appear designed for ritual purposes.
The sanctuary originates from the Iron Age, when ancient inhabitants carved cylindrical holes and ritual spaces directly into the rocky formation. The site saw continued use through later ancient periods, indicating its importance endured across generations.
The circular holes carved into the main platform form patterns that mirror the constellations of Cassiopeia and Cepheus, showing how ancient inhabitants connected this place to the sky. This layout suggests the site held meaning related to observing celestial events and understanding the stars.
The site is accessible from Kovachevitsa village by driving to the Beslet area, then following a wide forest path for about 30 minutes. The terrain can be slippery, so sturdy footwear and caution in wet conditions are important for a safe visit.
The central ritual space features a large stone cauldron with a channel system that directed liquids across the surface toward the southern rock wall. This hydraulic design reveals that inhabitants used sophisticated methods to manage water flow during ceremonial activities.
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