Madarski Skali
Cliff Rock formation near Shumen Province
Cliff and rock-relief site in Shumen Province known for the Madara Rider and surrounding limestone formations. Visitors combine history, hiking and panoramic views.
The site known as Madarski Skali contains the famous Madara Rider, an early medieval rock relief in Shumen Province, northeastern Bulgaria. The relief is dated to the late 7th or early 8th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site (inscribed 1979).
The main highlight is the cliff-carved relief of a horseman with attendant figures carved directly into a vertical rock face. The composition combines human and animal imagery in a single panel and is the central visual element at the site.
The relief is attributed to the early medieval period of the First Bulgarian Empire and is generally interpreted as a commemorative monument connected with early Bulgarian rulers and their military achievements. The site has attracted scholarly attention since the 19th century and was protected and researched as an archaeological and historic monument during the 20th century.
The relief sits on a rocky outcrop near the village of Madara in Shumen Province in northeastern Bulgaria, within a rural landscape of open hills and karst formations.
- UNESCO status: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
What to See #
- Madara Rider relief: An early medieval rock relief carved into a cliff showing a mounted horseman accompanied by a dog and a fallen figure; stylistically dated to the late 7th or early 8th century.
How to Get to Madarski Skali #
Madarski Skali is accessed from regional roads in Shumen Province. The site is a short drive from the nearest town; parking is informal and visitors walk a short path to the main rock formations.
Tips for Visiting Madarski Skali #
- Bring sun protection - many rock formations have little shade.
- Wear good shoes; scrambling is required in places and surfaces can be sharp.
- Visit late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light on the cliff faces.
Best Time to Visit Madarski Skali #
Visit in the drier months to avoid slippery rock surfaces after rain.
Weather & Climate near Madarski Skali #
Madarski Skali's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (557 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
