The Stone Wedding

Каменната сватба

A striking cluster of pyramid-shaped rock formations near Zimzelen resembling a wedding procession turned to stone. This natural phenomenon of colorful eroded pillars is a memorable short stop near Kardzhali.

Things to do

• Walk the rock formations — Stroll among the reddish pyramid-shaped pillars that legend says are a petrified wedding procession, near the village of Zimzelen.
• Photograph the colorful pillars — Capture the striking rust-red and white eroded columns, best lit in the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon.
• Spot the 'bride' formation — Look for the tallest weathered pillar that folklore identifies as the bride at the center of the stone wedding party.
• Explore nearby Kardzhali — Combine the visit with a trip to Kardzhali town, about 3 km away, for its regional history museum and reservoir views.
• Visit the Perperikon complex — Extend your day with the ancient Thracian rock city of Perperikon, one of the region's most important archaeological sites.
• See Utroba Cave — Detour to the womb-shaped 'Utroba' sanctuary cave near Nenkovo, a mystical Thracian site in the surrounding hills.

Food to try

• Rhodope patatnik — A grated potato pie flavored with onion and local spearmint, a classic dish of the Rhodope mountains around Kardzhali.
• Cheverme — Whole lamb slow-roasted on a spit, a festive Rhodope specialty often served at village celebrations.
• Klin — A rustic filo pastry filled with rice, cheese and herbs, traditional to the Rhodope region.
• Katmi with honey — Thin fried pancakes served with local mountain honey, a popular Rhodope breakfast or snack.
• Rhodope smilyanski beans — Hearty bean stew made with the prized large beans grown in the nearby Smilyan area.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring water and sturdy shoes — The site is open and exposed with uneven rocky terrain, and shade is scarce in summer heat.
• Know the wedding legend — Locals tell that a groom's lust for the bride turned the whole procession, and even God, to stone as punishment.
• Respect the mixed heritage — The Kardzhali region has a large ethnic Turkish and Muslim community, so you'll hear Turkish spoken and see mosques alongside churches.
• Have cash for small fees — A modest entrance or parking fee may apply and rural spots rarely take cards, so carry Bulgarian leva.

Nearby

• Kardzhali — 4 km
• Perperikon — 9 km
• Devil's Bridge (Ardino) — 28 km
• Bachkovo Monastery — 57 km