Krali Marko's step Sanctuary
Krali Marko's is a Thracian sanctuary located in the Hasar area. According to folklore, when Krali Marko was passing through the area, he stepped on a stone where his footprint was left. At the top of the rock there are three carved pits that remain full of water, even during the summer heat. A local legend says that if one sprinkles the water from the footprints on a sick spot, a person will get well. The trek from the village to the sanctuary is along a wide dirt road and takes about 30 minutes. [...]
Thracian sanctuary, Chukovo village
The Thracian sanctuary at the village of Chukovo is located at the foot of the Eastern Rhodopes. At the very top of Stramni Rid is carved from a monolithic rock the huge figure of a lion lying on its right side, facing the valley and the rocky riverbed of the river Chukovska. In front, instead of a head, there are two altars, and on the valley-facing side are carved horizontal rows of trapezoidal niches. The dimensions of the lion figure are approximately 8.8 m long and 3 m high. The hike from the village to the sanctuary takes about 40 minutes. [...]
