Belogradchik Rocks

Belogradchik Rocks
Stratigraphic range: Permian, 230 Ma PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N ↓
A view of the Belogradchik Rocks
Type	Geological unit
Unit of	Balkan Mountains
Area	641.31 ha
Lithology
Primary	Sandstone, conglomerate
Location
Coordinates	43°37′15″N 22°41′6″E / 43.62083°N 22.68500°E / 43.62083; 22.68500
Region	Vidin Province
Country	Bulgaria
Type section
Named for	Belogradchik

The Belogradchik Rocks (Bulgarian: Белоградчишки скали, Belogradchishki skali) are a group of strangely shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. The rocks vary in color from primarily red to yellow; some of the rocks reach up to 200 m in height. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named after people or objects they are thought to resemble. The Belogradchik Rocks have been declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government and are a major tourist attraction in the region. They are the only habitat of the critically endangered Bulgarian endemic plant Hieracium belogradcense.^[1]