In January 2025, the Thracian sanctuary on Ostrets Peak received the status of a cultural asset of national significance

History and Significance of the Sanctuary on Ostrets Peak

*Ostrets Peak, 1,369 meters high, is part of the Western Rhodopes and is located in close proximity to Velingrad. Archaeological excavations reveal that the peak was an important cult site for the Thracians, with the sanctuary likely functioning as early as the Bronze Age (around the 2nd millennium BCE). It was actively used during the Iron Age and the Roman period.

The first official archaeological studies of the site began in 1986 under the guidance of Prof. Georgi Domaradski. Numerous ceramic fragments, ritual pits, and structures indicating sacrificial practices were discovered. From 2009 to 2011, excavations resumed under the leadership of Prof. Diana Gergova. In 2015, further research and emergency conservation activities were carried out.

What is Velingrad Known for?

Among the most interesting discoveries are stone structures that likely served ritual purposes. Several artifacts were found linking the site to Thracian religion, particularly the cult of Dionysus. This hypothesis makes the Ostrets sanctuary even more intriguing, as scientific debates have long considered whether it could be one of the sought-after large Dionysian sanctuaries.

The Dionysian Sanctuary – Possible Connection with Ostrets

The hypothesis that the sanctuary on Ostrets Peak may be connected to the cult of Dionysus has been defended by Prof. Gergova for years. A similar theory regarding Perperikon is supported by Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov. In ancient times, Dionysian sanctuaries were places of oracles and sacrifices that attracted rulers and nobles from all over Thrace.

Ancient Greek and Roman sources mention a major sanctuary of Dionysus where the oracle predicted the future of Alexander the Great. For many years, this location remained unidentified, with scholars associating it with various archaeological sites. According to Prof. Gergova, Ostrets shows all the signs of such a sanctuary: complex architecture, evidence of fire-based sacrifices, and specific artifacts characteristic of Thracian rituals.

The specialized expert council recognized the importance of the site but decided to retain its official name as “Cult Site on Ostrets Peak,” without directly linking it to the Dionysian cult, due to the lack of conclusive evidence.

Ostrets Sanctuary Now a Site of National Significance

On January 7, 2025, the first meeting of the year of the Specialized Expert Council for the Preservation of Immovable Cultural Values (SESONKC) under the Ministry of Culture was held. One of the main topics on the agenda was the proposal to change the status of the archaeological site “Cult Site on Ostrets Peak.” Currently, it holds “local significance,” but it was proposed to be elevated to “national significance.”

During the meeting, archaeologist Prof. Dr. Diana Gergova presented the site and outlined arguments supporting the proposal. She led excavations at the sanctuary during 2009–2011 and 2015 and emphasized that its deteriorating condition should not be a reason to leave its status unchanged. According to her, the site is valuable and deserves more in-depth research.

The sanctuary is located in a forested area with steep terrain in the Ostrets Peak region (1,369 m), about 6 kilometers from Velingrad. Over the years, it has suffered systematic looting by treasure hunters, causing significant damage. The first excavations were conducted in 1986 under Prof. Georgi Domaradski. Research continued from 2009–2011 with the participation of Bulgarian and foreign students, and in 2015 further excavations and emergency conservation work were carried out.

Prof. Gergova Supports the Hypothesis That the Ostrets Sanctuary May Be One of the Sought-After Sanctuaries of Dionysus

Similar to Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov’s theory regarding Perperikon, although this remains a debated issue in academic circles, the expert council supported the change in status.

Approval of the status change is the result of years of effort. As early as 2012, Snezhana Veleva, director of the Historical Museum – Velingrad, submitted a proposal to elevate the status, but the council at that time left it as “local significance.” In 2017, another attempt was made to include both the Ostrets sanctuary and another cult site above Kleptuza, but it was also not accepted. The current request received the support of Velingrad Mayor Kostadin Koev and Prof. Gergova, leading to its successful approval.

Although the change of status alone will not stop looting and will not immediately improve the condition of the site, it provides an opportunity for greater funding for future research and conservation activities. This is an important step toward preserving the sanctuary, which holds significant historical value and could contribute to the development of cultural tourism in Velingrad.

Threats and Future Prospects

The Ostrets sanctuary has been the target of serious looting by treasure hunters, causing heavy damage to the archaeological site over recent decades. Although emergency conservation measures were carried out in 2015, the absence of new research over the past eight years has led to further deterioration.

The status change will not automatically stop looter attacks but allows for increased funding. This means that new excavations, restoration activities, and potentially better site protection can be organized.

Elevating the Sanctuary to “National Significance” Also Increases Its Potential as a Tourist Attraction

Velingrad is already known as a SPA center, but the inclusion of cultural-historical routes connected to the Thracian sanctuary could enrich the region’s tourism offerings.

The Municipality of Velingrad, together with the Historical Museum, plans to develop a project to promote the site. Part of the funding is expected from cultural heritage programs. An important element of such a project will be the development of better infrastructure – road access, signage, and potentially a visitor center to tell the story of the sanctuary.

Declaring the cult site on Ostrets Peak a site of national significance is an important step toward preserving this valuable archaeological heritage. Although much work remains to study and safeguard it, the expert council’s decision signals state recognition of the site’s importance.

Conclusion

With adequate funding and protective measures, the Ostrets sanctuary could become one of Bulgaria’s leading archaeological and tourist sites. In this sense, the status change is not merely an administrative act but the beginning of a new stage in researching and promoting one of the most interesting Thracian cult sites in the Rhodopes.