The Region

Thanks to the specific climate, caused by the meeting of sea and mountain air, Strandzha Mountain strikes its inhabitants as a mystical place. Smooth, stable temperature amplitudes preserve the air humidity creating a kind of prism where colours seem more vibrant and all plants obtain a fairy-tale look.

Flora and fauna in the region are more reminiscent to a jungle than a mountain. On the other hand, namely the specific climate and the numerous protected areas establish fruitful habitat for many animals and plant species.

Today, both these treasures and the sunken city of Ranuli have been forgotten. It was the sea capital and cultural portal to the Thracian tribe Asti. They have inhabited this region and the golden treasure, discovered by the Director of the local historical museum Daniel Pantov, suggests that the ancient people were interested not only in construction, but also in arts and crafts. This treasure is dated some 2600 years old and represents golden horse ornaments.

For thousands of years the gulf of Perla has been the stage of various trades too. The unknowns about the life and habits of the first settlers are numerous. The cult sanctuaries Beglik Tash and the Lion’s Head do not indicate clearly to what extend they are natural phenomena or molded by human hands. As far as we know they are due to past volcanic activity and the rituals did not include sacrifices. As a gesture to the marriage between the Goddess Mother –Earth and the supreme God – the Sun “sacrifices” took the shape of milk – symbol of air, olive oil – flame and wine – earth, as well as fruits. The whole complex tells the oldest history of all– the beginning of life.

Primorsko

Lion’s head

Beglik Tash

Among the conquistador of this land according to legends were Lisimaha – one of the most loyal servants of Alexander the Great; Yazon and the Argonauts looking for the Golden Fleece; and Valchan Voevoda and his squad. Some of the most eminent Bulgarian scientists of ther time Prof. Alexander Foll and Prof. Dr. Stefan Peykov, fabricated the term “background reverberation”, when they described the influence of this holy place on humans. Modern history continues to present evidence about the heroic past of the local people like the story of the sailor Georgi Kostadinov. During his duty at the capе Skomboliorosh next to the mouth of Veleka river the sailor witnessed the shipwreck of the French trade ship “Jacque Fresinae”. Trying desperately to save the ship’s crew, he gave the most that man can give – his own life. But it was not in vain, he succeeded to save the entire French crew.

Another great feet which has been subject to many discussions is known as “The road of the horse”. The legend of the brave Bulgarian woman Stana, defender of the fortress Urdoviza, who succeeded to preserve her wide possessions from the ottoman aggressors, is related to the “Gulf of the horse” (Atliman). Its name is given in memory of the stallion, used by the woman-soldier to circle for a day the majority of Strandzha. This part of the mountain – Hesekiya – according to the agreement between Stana and the Sultan remained after her accomplishment differentiated and privileged. The horse died, exhausted form the exceptional efforts. We are left with the legend and the memory of freedom for the people in this part of the already enslaved Bulgaria. Antique sailors named this region “The land of the amazons”.

The cycling leg covers the “Road of the horse” to a great extend. A beautiful show of our respect is to put ourselves through this tireless test, that has given freedom to the villages where the lion hearts recover.

One of these villages, deep in the heart of Strandzha, stores a historical plate, representing a rider with a spear defeating a dragon. It can be seen by everyone in one of the chapels of village Zabernovo and should be known that it is dated centuries before Christianity.

Another bridge between worlds is hiding a little bit downstream the route in the Paroria reserve. The forests here bear millennial tree species thanks to the absence of urban industrial activity. There lies the oldest and biggest tree in Strandzha mountain – the oak Blagun, more than 1000 years old. After 30 kilometers of cycling the lion hearts enter the third natural reserve along the route, but the first ever in Bulgaria – Silkosia. There is not much to say about the spirit of this place; it should be felt. Modern science has proven, that power and tenacity is at its zenith when one is in nature. Good luck for us for yet another beautiful reserve along the “Road of the horse” follows – Tissoviza.

The last challenge for the lion hearts hides the biggest rewards. After crossing the „Lion heart“ base camp the athletes go in the direction of Maslen nos cape – the east most point of Strandzha. The landscape changes quickly and the participants are led near steep cliffs and sea waves. One of the hidden treasures of this leg is the gulf St. Paraskeva. Between the rock formations huddles an amazing 100 meter long strip of sand, which is still one of the most fascinating Bulgarian gulfs – St. Paraskeva. The remains of the old chapel, which has given the name of the gulf, is just enough to test the faith of the athletes. Behind it a gradual uphill leads to the most precious jewel in Ropotamo`s crown – the Lion’s head.

The location of this antique sanctuary, together with the extremely loose tracks are cause for belief that here hid voevodi (warriors for freedom during the ottoman yolk), lovers and even treasures. During Thracian times this was the biggest sanctuary in Strandzha mountain. The neighbouring Greek tribes even called the way of life of the local tribes – “thrakiing”. Views to the north of the Lion’s head and to the south of Primorsko mark the culmination of the competition.

More phenomena can be seen in the air. Primorsko and the adjoining lakes are part of the second biggest migration path in Europe – Via Pontika. The time of Lion Heart ultra cross triathlon coincides with the migration to the south in the end of summer, one of the most attractive spectacles in nature. The airport of Primorsko offers the opportunity for sky diving and paragliding. But even if we can’t fly with the birds, we can lie on the golden sands of Perla and enjoy. This stripe keeps its spirit, cleanness and virginity throughout the entire summer due to its proximity to natural reserves and the absence of heavy construction.

The Lion Heart challenge brings the history of Strandja, sport, nature and culture together. We are inspirited and encourage the free visits in these mystic lands. The GPS coordinates of the route are provided for free on our website year-round, accessible for everyone, who wishes to touch the heart of Strandja.

Галерия Класиране
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