Stremtsi draws attention to its ancient gold mines and their underground galleries, which extend for several kilometres. Southeast of the village, Karachalak Tepe adds a fortified Thracian settlement to the archaeological picture. These two points of interest raise different questions: What traces of mining are visible, and what form did the fortified site take? The Perpereshka River provides another geographical reference, as it flows close to Stremtsi.

Gold Mines and Underground Galleries

The gold mines of Stremtsi are known as the Stremtsi Labyrinths; the name Inklers Cave is also used. The complex comprises a network of underground galleries extending for several kilometres. Traces of ancient gold washing are still visible at the mines. The ancient gold mine near Stremtsi was declared an archaeological cultural monument in 1984.

The visible traces of washing relate to gold processing, while the galleries show the scale of the underground complex. As access underground can change, check in advance whether entry is possible. Do not enter the tunnels without a guide who is familiar with their layout.

Karachalak Tepe and Its Fortifications

Karachalak Tepe lies 1.7 kilometres southeast of Stremtsi and is a fortified Thracian settlement. The citadel was almost circular and about 30 metres in diameter. Two or three earth-and-stone ramparts and the foundations of a large round tower have survived; visible remains may be overgrown.

The approximate diameter refers to the citadel, not the entire settlement. The ramparts and tower foundations add other structural elements to the ground plan; the site cannot therefore be reduced to its circular shape. From the hill east of the Tepe, there is a direct line of sight to the sanctuary of Perperikon, although vegetation may affect the view.

Directions and Getting There

A relatively good dirt road branches off the road toward Murgovo and Perperikon and leads to the Tepe. As its condition can change, check the access route in advance. The gold mines are about 200 metres from the main Kardzhali–Haskovo road, beyond the small reservoir between Rani list and Stremtsi. Check these directions locally.

Regular bus services run from Stremtsi to Kardzhali and neighbouring villages. Check the timetable before travelling. The Perpereshka flows close to Stremtsi and empties into the Studen Kladenets Reservoir.

Keep the directions to each site distinct: for the mines, the description refers to the main Kardzhali–Haskovo road and the small reservoir between Rani list and Stremtsi; for Karachalak Tepe, it refers to the turnoff from the road toward Murgovo and Perperikon. Use the directions for your specific destination and check the relevant access route in advance.

Discover more destinations: Gnyazdovo, Kardzhali, Padartsi, Enchets, Staro myasto, Glavatartsi

See the broader travel overview: Kardzhali.