Sakar Mountain

The small beautiful Sakar Mountain is situated in the southeastern part of Bulgaria, between the valleys of Maritsa, Tundzha, Sokolitsa and Szaliika Rivers. It is a lonely mountain massif 40km long and 15-20km wide composed predominantly of metamorphic rocks. Similar to Strandzha Mountain in its small height, Sakar Mountain reaches its highest point at Vishegrad (852m). With its steep southern slopes cut by the valleys of numerous small rivers, Sakar Mountain has been inhabited since ancient times. The mountain top is covered by green pastures while in its foot lie agricultural plantations of tobacco, cherry trees, and vines.

Today, it is one of the regions in Bulgaria with most abundant wild-bird life with some endangered and for this reason protected species, such as species of pheasants, quails, and partridges. One of the reasons for its rich flora and fauna is its Continental-Mediterranean climate with short winter and hot summer. Apart from its natural beauties, Sakar Mountain’s cultural heritage is worth seeing. The ancient Thracian rock of worship called by the Thracian inhabitants Menihur is an example of the mountain’s cultural wealth. The Vukelon Fortress near the village Matochina is another antique building in which the Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan crushes the Byzantine army lead by Emperor Baldwin in 13th century. Also, there are several megalithic tombs and a basilica dating back to 10th century. The biggest town in Sakar Maountain situated at its northern foot is Topolovgrad, which is another interesting tourist destination and an administrative center of Topolovgrad Municipality.