Kamen Bryag

Kamen Bryag is a picturesque coastal village situated in Northeastern Bulgaria, positioned within the administrative boundaries of the Dobrich Province and the Kavarna Municipality. This region is globally renowned for its high, vertical limestone cliffs that plunge directly into the waves of the Black Sea, exposing the raw, authentic beauty of the Dobruja shoreline. The destination merges pristine steppe wilderness, deep historical heritage, and vibrant cultural traditions that attract scientists, archaeologists, artists, and travelers from all over the globe. Archaeological Legacy and the Yailata Reserve The territory of Kamen Bryag safeguards material traces of human civilization dating back millennia. Positioned at a distance of 2 kilometers south of the village outskirts is the celebrated Yailata National Archaeological Reserve. This unique coastal rock terrace is densely saturated with monuments representing distinct historical epochs: - Cave Dwellings: Within the vertical cliff faces, dozens of ancient cave dwellings and rock chambers have been documented and studied, utilized by human populations as permanent homes throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages. - Necropolises and Tombs: Extensive family and individual tombs, carved directly into the karst rock strata, have been unearthed across the sanctuary. Northwest of the village proper, a massive ancient necropolis composed primarily of Scythian tombs is located. - Early Byzantine Fortress: Rising within the parameters of Yailata are the ruins of a partially restored Early Byzantine fortress wall featuring defensive towers, engineered during the reign of Emperor Anastasius I. - Thracian Sun Altar: Situated at the absolute entrance of the archaeological reserve is an ancient Thracian sun altar, which has been fully excavated and cleared. This site was utilized for major pagan rituals during the first millennium BC. - Megalithic Landmarks: Along the high, windswept cliffs extending both north and south of the village, an array of other megalithic structures, menhirs, and sanctuaries from early Balkan history have been mapped. To accommodate the growing demands of cultural tourism, a modern Tourist Information Center was officially inaugurated in the village on July 25, 2007. The facility provides detailed scientific and logistical data regarding the Yailata archaeological reserve, the cave complexes, and all other major travel assets across the region. The Natural Phenomenon of Ogancheto Positioned approximately 1.5 kilometers from the borders of the Yailata reserve, anchored directly upon the rocky cliff edge, is the famous natural phenomenon known as Ogancheto (The Little Fire). It represents a specific natural gas micro-field, discovered during geological drillings conducted in the late 1950s. Because a small, continuous stream of natural gas escapes from the earth's crust, the flame has been burning uninterrupted for decades, becoming an iconic symbol of Kamen Bryag and a magnet for romantic youth camps under the open night sky. Traditional Events, Cultural Life, and Sports The village of Kamen Bryag operates as a prominent hub for cultural life, art symposia, and annual festivals that gather thousands of participants: - July Morning Celebration: Kamen Bryag stands as the most famous and cult location in Bulgaria for welcoming the sunrise on the morning of July 1. This tradition gathers people from all over the country. An exceptional peak in the history of the event was recorded in 2007, when the global rock legend John Lawton attended the celebration in person at the cliffs near Ogancheto, performing the iconic song July Morning live exactly as the first sun rays broke over the horizon. - Annual Village Fair: On June 3 every year, a traditional village festival is organized. The celebration incorporates a rich folk program presented by the local folklore ensemble and guest amateur and professional groups from across the entire municipality. - Photo Academy: During the summer months of July and August, the long-standing Photo Academy takes place in the village, organized under the instruction of the prominent Bulgarian photographer Yuri Chariyski. The rugged landscapes of Kamen Bryag serve as a perfect natural backdrop for emerging photographers. - Rock Climbing: Due to the vertical rock profile of the coastline, an international rock climbing competition is organized here every August, attracting elite alpinists. - Sea and Wind Art Symposium: At the beginning of September each year, Kamen Bryag hosts the prestigious traditional art пленер (symposium) titled Sea and Wind. The forum welcomes active participation from prominent painters, visual artists, and sculptors from across the country and abroad. The creative event culminates in an official exhibition displayed at the Kavarna Art Gallery, after which the collection tours major cultural centers throughout the nation.