Cycling to Medieval fortress and a Thracian domed tomb in Mezek

Yesterday with a girlfriend we were cycling to Bulgarian village Mezek, in the vicinity of which there is a medieval fortress and a Thracian domed tomb - preserved entirely in its original form.

From Svilengrad, we rode our bicycles to village Mezek, which is located 11 km southwest of the city.

After the turnoff from the main road that leads to the village, there is a bike lane that we took.

The road took us to a fountain in the locality of Kutmush Bunar. There are stories about her that years ago the Bulgarian prophetess Vanga said that the water that flows in this place is healing for the eyes. That is why the fountain built in this place is called the Holy or Blessed Well.

We continued up the road and entered the village.

Passing through its streets, we headed to Kaleto hill, where the fortress is located.

The fortress dates from the end of the 11th century and is one of the best-preserved defense facilities in the Rhodopes mountains.

Nine towers with a rounded shape were built there, the height of which is over 10 m.

The fortress has the shape of an irregular quadrangle, and the area it occupies is about 6.5 decares.

During World War II, a bunker was built in the northeast corner of the fortress.

In recent years, many tourist attractions and recreational areas have been added to the place.

We continued our cycling journey back to the center of the village.

The bronze boar in the center of the village of Mezek.

After a short rest, we continued to the Thracian Dome Tomb. The road to it from the beginning of the village, from where there is a turnoff with a signpost.

On the way to the tomb, there are painted two-dimensional images with a Thracian theme. They have such a perspective that if you stand in a certain position, you can recreate a sense of three-dimensionality.

The tomb was accidentally discovered by local residents in 1931.

It is covered with an impressive mound embankment 14-15 m high. Its structure is made of hewn stone blocks, which are stacked on top of each other without any joint.

The tomb is oriented in the east-west direction and is reached by a corridor over 20 m long.

Two vestibules follow.

The tomb is a circular burial chamber with a beehive dome.

The total length of the tomb is about 31 m.

A large number of gold, iron, bronze, ceramic and glass objects were found in the tomb. Traces of six burials were found.

After the interesting visit, we headed back with our bicycles to the city.

Thank you for stopping by!
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