Chit kaya

Chit Kaya, translated from local Turkish as "the built rock" (from chit - wall, wall and kaya - rock), is a unique archaeological, cultural and natural site located in the Eastern Rhodopes. It is located on the eponymous peak with an altitude of 392 m, only 600 m south of the village of Lisitsite in a straight line, and about 15 km southeast of the town of Kardzhali.

The village of Lisitsite is reached via the the longest rope bridge in Bulgaria - an impressive structure with a length of 260 meters, which passes over the Studen Kladenets dam. After the bridge, a picturesque hike lasting about an hour awaits you to the very peak of Chit Kaya. The most popular route starts from the fountain in the village, near the bridge, and offers magnificent views of the dam. The path is marked with red tourist markings, which start from the village of Shiroko Pole.

Historical value and location
The Thracian fortress of Chit Kaya dates back to the 4th – 1st centuries BC and was part of the Thracian defense system. It occupies an area of about 1200 sq. m along the ridge of the elongated peak. From the west and south, the peak is naturally protected, as the hill has steep walls, and the rock massif on which the fortress is located is surrounded by water on three sides, being most accessible from the east/northeast, where the fortress wall was built. Starting about 200 m south of the village, it is built of unjointed stones, and would now be difficult to notice because of the vegetation.

Although no remains of buildings are visible on the relatively flat part of the ridge, fragments of household ceramics have been found at the site, suggesting permanent habitation in the past. No systematic archaeological excavations have been conducted to date.

Rock sanctuary and cult niches
On the southern side of the rock massif, approximately 50 trapezoidal niches have been cut out - a typical element of Thracian rock-cult architecture. The niches are arranged in three rows, some of which are partially destroyed due to erosion and weathering, but retain their characteristic shape.

Also impressive are the natural forms resembling human and animal figures – among them the “Alien”, the “Skull”, the “Face” and the “Fish Head”. These natural and cultural features create a unique atmosphere of the place and enhance its mystical impact.

Archaeological Traces
At the foot of the rocky peak, between the village and the Arda and Varbitsa rivers, traces of a Thracian settlement have been recorded, including two burial mounds and several ruined graves from the same period. At the base of the rock formation, there is also a single-chamber, semi-spherical tomb carved into the rock.

Panoramic Views and Strategic Location
From Chit Kaya, there are excellent visual connections to other ancient fortresses in the area: near the village of Ivantsi to the north/northwest, Harmankaya above the village of Gluhar to the southwest, and Kesetepe (Klisetepe) near the village of Bivolyane to the southeast. This strategic location suggests the site's important defensive and cult significance in the past.

Chit Kaya is not only an archaeological site, but also a place of exceptional natural beauty and historical significance. A visit to it combines adventure, cultural exploration and an inspiring connection to the ancient past of the Rhodope Mountains.

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