Sanctuary of Bendis

The Sanctuary of Bendis is located near the White Birches, Ardino.

How to get there?

Head towards Ardino by car, passing through the village of Chubrika. On the right, you’ll see a turnoff for Planinski Izgled (Mountain View). Leave your car at the turnoff and continue on foot along the asphalt. Shortly after, you’ll see a dirt road on the left – take it. The route is easy, pleasant, and scenic. At some point, you’ll see a gazebo on your right. Directly across from the gazebo, there’s a path leading up a hill, which will take you straight to the Sanctuary of Bendis, located at the top of the hill.

Who is Bendis?

She is a Thracian goddess, worshipped in Southwest Thrace, holding an important place in Thracian religion as one of the main deities. Bendis is revered as a great mother goddess, whose influence covers fertility, marriage, and communal life. She represents the feminine principle and is the most honored female deity, depicted both as a maiden and as a mother. She is strongly connected with nature and shares many similarities with the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt and fertility, Artemis, as well as the Roman goddess Diana.

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