Kaylaka

Welcome to Kaylaka, the magnificent natural park located just south of the city of Pleven. As you stand at the entrance of this protected area, you are looking into a dramatic karst gorge carved over millions of years by the…

Take a moment to simply look up at the towering, pale rock faces that box in the valley. You are standing inside a classic karst formation. …

We now hike up to a strategic elevation to explore the ruins of Storgosia. When the Roman Empire expanded into the Balkans, military engineers immediately recognized the defensive perfection of the Kaylaka gorge. …

Within the fortified perimeter of Storgosia, we find the substantial remains of an Early Christian basilica, dating to the 4th century. This structure represents a monumental shift in the ideological fabric of the Roman Empire,…

Descending from the ancient ruins, we find ourselves walking along the beautifully paved pathways of the modern park. Specifically, you are on the Totleben Trail, named after the famous Russian general Eduard Totleben, who played…

Look up at the cliff face ahead; you will see a large, fortified iron gate leading directly into the heart of the mountain. You have arrived at one of the most unique institutions in Bulgaria: the Cave Wine Museum. …

We conclude our walk in the deepest, most tranquil section of the park, where the river has been dammed to create a series of calm, reflective lakes. This area is the contemporary heart of Kaylaka's leisure industry. …

As our tour of Kaylaka comes to a close, we prepare to leave the cool embrace of the canyon and return to the plains above. This park is a masterclass in the layering of time. …