A Monument Born from Love for Bulgaria
Perched in the mountain village of Rayuvtsi, near the shimmering waters of Yovkovtsi Dam, stands a striking circle of massive stones. Though its nickname, Bulgarian Stonehenge, suggests ancient origins, this monument is a creation of our century. It was conceived and built by local patriot Krasimir Krastev – Rio in the early 2010s as part of a cultural complex celebrating Bulgaria’s history, heroes, and traditions.
The megalith, officially called “The Temple of Memory”, was designed to honor the country’s significant figures—from medieval rulers to cultural icons—and to inspire a sense of unity and pride among visitors. Each stone represents both the timeless endurance of the Bulgarian spirit and the unbroken link between past, present, and future.
Why It’s Called “Bulgarian Stonehenge”
The resemblance to Britain’s prehistoric Stonehenge lies in the circular arrangement of massive stone pillars. But unlike its ancient namesake, Rayuvtsi’s monument is deliberately symbolic:
- The circle represents eternity and unity.
- The open-air design invites the surrounding landscape into the space, merging nature and culture.
- Each stone slab is engraved with names, dates, and quotes from Bulgarian history, turning the site into an open book of heritage.
The surrounding complex also includes monuments to Bulgarian revolutionaries, a bell tower, and a panoramic view over the Balkan ridges and Yovkovtsi Dam.
Visiting Rayuvtsi and the Bulgarian Stonehenge
Location: Village of Rayuvtsi, Veliko Tarnovo Province, about 10 km from the town of Elena and roughly 45 km from Veliko Tarnovo.
Getting There:
Rayuvtsi is best reached by car. From Veliko Tarnovo, head south toward Elena, then follow signs to Yovkovtsi Dam and Rayuvtsi village.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to early autumn for the lush Balkan greenery.
- Early morning or sunset for magical light and photographs.
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk along the Yovkovtsi Dam shores and a stop in Elena for local delicacies like Elenski but (dry-cured ham).
A Place of Reflection and Celebration
Unlike many monuments, the Bulgarian Stonehenge isn’t about mourning alone—it’s about celebrating the strength of the Bulgarian spirit. On national holidays, the site comes alive with gatherings, concerts, and recitals. On quieter days, it offers a tranquil spot to watch the sun dip behind the mountains while the stones stand in silent witness.
Standing in the center of the circle, surrounded by the carved names of heroes and the endless sky above, visitors often feel a deep connection to the land, to history, and to something greater than themselves.
Why You Should Go
Rayuvtsi’s Bulgarian Stonehenge is more than just a roadside curiosity. It’s a living, evolving cultural project – proof that monuments don’t have to be relics of the past; they can be built today to inspire tomorrow.
If you’re exploring the Elena Balkan, make this site part of your journey. Come for the stones, stay for the view, and leave with a heart full of Bulgaria.
