About two kilometres northeast of Kiten lies Mukhaliysko Kale, a late antique and medieval fortress site in the locality of Tapanite. At the foot of the site is a rock monastery dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Rock cells lie on the slopes of Mukhaliysko Kale, about 2.5 kilometres northeast of Kiten. The distances refer to different features: the fortress site and the rock cells each have their own location reference.
Mukhaliysko Kale and the Rock Monastery
The monastery cells are arranged on three levels and connected by narrow, tall openings. The largest space is a natural cave; the uppermost cell has an east-facing altar. The levels, cave space and orientation of the uppermost cell give a concrete impression of the rock monastery’s internal layout.
The architectural access points include a chimney-like passage from the plateau and separate entrances to individual cells. A stone staircase is located on the south side of the monastery; check its condition locally before your visit. The monastery is set in north-facing rocks overlooking Blaskovo. Near the entrance, rock drawings are located at the foot of the rocks; their state of preservation may change. If these drawings are important to you, take the possibility of change into account when planning your visit.
Further Historical Traces
The Eight Hermit Cells in Tapanite are a protected historical site in the Kiten area. The site covers one hectare and is registered under number 226; its protected status dates back to 6 February 1968. A vegetation-covered plateau contains remains of an old settlement, connected to a fortress on its northwestern edge.
A Walking Route in the Provadia Area
There is a route in the Provadia area that is considered easy. It leads from the eastern or western entrance to Kaleto to Shashkanite; this section takes about 40 minutes. This is followed by 15 easy minutes to a Thracian sanctuary and another easy hour to the rock monastery of St. George. The sections differ in the time they take: the path to the sanctuary is the shortest, while the continuation to St. George takes the most time. This lets you choose between a shorter walking section and a longer continuation. Together, the three consecutive sections take about one hour and 55 minutes to walk.
Plan Your Stay in Kiten
The different focus is relevant when planning an overnight stay: Kiten is associated with an accommodation provider, while the Provadia area is more suited to day visits than overnight stays. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Kiten, check availability for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Chayka, Tutrakantsi, Provadia.
Back to the main travel overview: Provadia.
