ABOUT THE CULT SITE
The cult site in the “Kalugera” (the Monk) place is located just 4 km northeast of the Marishnitsa (town of Apriltsi) place, at the northern foot of mountain peak Maragidik, in immediate proximity to a path crossing the mountain to the south.
Many stone carvings, which differ in size and depth were found over the slanting massive rock, called by the local residents “Kalugera”. Some of these carvings are significantly destroyed by human hand others by the stone erosion. The carved into the rock graphites have a depth of up to 2 mm and average width of 3 mm.
A fragment from a figure (60/ 80 cm) with an outstretched right arm and square “head” can be seen in the middle of the rock. A smaller figure (59/ 20 cm), which resembles a human with outstretched arms is visible in the western part of the same rock. The two figures are carved with the help of cross-like signs, small openings, notches and symbols.
According to the legend the figure of the monk was carved into the rock to serve as a pointer towards the place where a treasure enough to feed 7 families for 7 years was buried.
At this stage of studying the interpretation of the legend and the rock drawings is difficult, but there can be made a close relation with the graphics, depicted at the entrance to the central chamber of the Thracian burial mould uncovered between the villages Shipka and Yasenovo.
It can be assumed that the cult site in the “Kalugera” place was a roadside sanctuary and the human figure depicted an unknown priest or religious leader.
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