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The town of Belogradchik is situated between two ridges of the Western
Balkan Range, just east of the Serbian border, 182 km northwest of Sofia,
and 52 km southwest of Vidin. Belogradchik gives its name to Bulgaria's most
spectacular rock formations, the Belogradchik rocks, which cover an area of
90 square km to the west. The towering rocks form a natural fortress whose
defensive potential has been exploited by the Romans, the Bulgars, and Turks
since ancient times. The fortress at Belogradchik and the Belogradchik Pass
were for centuries the main trade route linking the lower Danube with
Serbia. Today, the town's landmarks are the fortress or citadel which three
levels of fortifications represent different periods of occupation, the 1751
Hussein Pasha mosque, the historical museum, and undoubtedly the marvellous
panorama of the Belogradchik rocks. The town is a starting point for trips
to the Magura cave, occupied by hunters as early as 2700 BC and best known
for its rock paintings. |