About Perperikon (The European Machu Picchu)

Discoveries are still being made at Perperikon, an ancient city located in the Rhodopes mountains. Excavations started in 2000, and marvelous things have been found there. No other Balkan region boasts as many megalith structures.
It is a sacred place dating back to 5,000 BC with a Roman fortress with walls 9 feet thick built into the hillside. Within the fortress are sleeping chambers and temples. It is in Perperikon that Medokos declared himself king in 424 BC and where the Temple of Dionysius was thought to have been built. The ruins of a church pulpit have been found, with decorated stone, and Greek inscriptions. It was probably built in the late 4th or early 5th century in the Byzantine era. The formation itself shows it was an early form of Christian temple.
What will you discover on your visit to Perperikon?

Must See

  • Ancient city and  massive fortress wall
  • Acropolis- built of huge stone blocks
  • Palace- carved into the rocks
  • North and South suburbs consisting of buildings and temples.

How to reach

Perperikon is located in the Eastern Rhodopes mountains. It is 15 km North-East of  Kardzhali. From Stremtsi that is North of Kardzhali or from Shiroko Pole that is east of Kardzhali a road leads to the foot of the hill. Parking is available there. Climb to the top of the hill to view the archaeological complex. 

Perperikon from Kardzali, the taxi fare is about 0.60 BGN/km.  As the distance is about 20km, the cost will be about 12 BGN or even less if you can bargain with the taxi driver.

The following transit lines have routes that pass near Perperikon - Bus: 26, 3, ПАЗАРА.

It is a 6-minute walk from the Tourist Information Center 

Tips

  • Better to hire a local guide to show you around as there are no signboards available
  • Walking is a necessity so wear comfortable shoes
  • As the route is long, carry some snacks and water with you
  • If you don't know any Bulgarian, it may be an issue, learning the alphabet will allow you to read the bus/train schedules.  It is good to learn the basics of the Bulgarian language
  • Go when it is not very warm because there is no shade to take shelter
  • Do not forget to take water with you.
  • Only from May to October tour guides and guided tours are offered
  • Buy a map of the Perperikon with useful notes, it will be helpful

Visit Time

 May to October

Sunday:        7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday:       7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday:      7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday:     7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday:          7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday:      7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Nil

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Adults: BGN 3
Students and seniors: BGN 1
Children and people with disabilities: Free of charge

 

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Light Rain 5.48°C

 

Local Services in Kardzhali (Contact directly)

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