Kovil Prehistoric Complex

The Kovil prehistoric rock cult complex lies between the villages of Kovil, Dzhanka and Baratsi, between tributaries of the Krumovitsa and Dyushun Dere rivers. This complex is larger than other well-known rock cult complexes such as Perperikon, Belintash and Harman Kaya. Its central part is thought to lie in the Belite Skali area, where there are nine sanctuaries, although the criteria for distinguishing them are unclear. Some of these sanctuaries have been destroyed, while others are unfinished.
The central part of the complex, known as Ak Kaya, consists of light-coloured volcanic tuffs and is covered with shrubs and trees. The rock slab has a thick turf covering that becomes thinner towards the west. The surface of the plateau shows traces of settlement over a long period, from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Bulgarian archaeologists investigated the complex between 1989 and 1993. The sanctuary at Ak Kaya stands on a white rock escarpment of volcanic tuffs and bears traces of a dry-stone wall. Many structures of a ritual nature, including sacrificial altars and channels, have been cut into the ridge. An anthropomorphic idol was also discovered, and nearby there is a rock-cut tomb or the remains of an ancient town. Channels of unknown purpose have been carved into the plateau, which also bears traces of later construction.
Near the Krumovgrad–Haskovo road, the outlines of a rock-cut necropolis can be seen. It contains nine graves: three are well preserved, four almost completely destroyed and two unfinished. The burials involved cremation, with the remains and offerings placed in an urn or directly on the ground. The necropolis dates from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD.