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Flora Flora · Plovdiv · 289 m

Chinarite - Ancient Plane Trees, Belastitsa

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  • Chinarite - Ancient Plane Trees of Belastitsa
    Chinarite - Ancient Plane Trees of Belastitsa
    Photo: Google Street View
Chinarite – the Ancient Plane Trees of Belashtitsa – is a remarkable natural monument located in the village of Bełasztica near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The site is centred around a millennia-old oriental plane tree believed to be over 1,100 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees in the country. It is renowned both for its immense size and its cultural significance in local folklore.
The principal plane tree at this site is estimated to have been planted around the early 11th century, with a trunk circumference measuring approximately 13.7 metres. According to local legend, it was brought from Mount Belasitsa and planted in 1014 by soldiers of Tsar Samuel who returned after the defeat at the Battle of Kleidion. Over the centuries, the tree has become deeply embedded in regional identity and Bulgarian cultural memory, with numerous historical figures and artists associated with it in tradition and storytelling.

The site is also noted in cultural history through artistic and literary references. It is said that Tsar Kaloyan once tied his horse to the ancient trunk, while Tsar Boris III and Tsaritsa Ioanna visited the village to admire the tree. The painter Zlatyu Boyadzhiev is believed to have found inspiration in its surroundings, depicting it in his work Landscape from Belashtitsa, and it is also referenced in the writings of Pencho Slaveykov. A younger grove of plane trees now surrounds the ancient specimen, contributing to a tranquil natural setting that blends living history with landscape continuity.

Public transport

Bełasztica can be reached from Plovdiv, which is the nearest major city and is well connected by national rail and bus services to other parts of Bulgaria. From Plovdiv, local buses and regional transport options run towards surrounding villages, including Belashtitsa, although services may be limited and infrequent. Taxis and private transfers are commonly used by visitors for more direct access to the site.

Directions

From Plovdiv city centre, the most practical route is to travel south-west towards the village of Belashtitsa, which lies on the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. The ancient tree site is typically approached via local village roads leading into the outskirts of Bełasztica, followed by a short walk through a semi-rural area where the grove is located. Signage may be limited, so using a map application or asking locals in the village is advisable.

Parking

Parking is generally available along the village roads near the site, though facilities are informal rather than purpose-built. Visitors typically park on the roadside in designated safe areas within walking distance of the ancient plane tree. During busy periods or local events, parking may be more limited, and it is recommended to arrive early or use public transport where possible.

Coordinates

DD
42.062821, 24.746195
DMS
42°03'46.2"N 24°44'46.3"E
UTM
35T 313523 4659209
w3w 
///yardage.infringed.extremists
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recommended route Difficulty T1 moderate Open
Distance 456.9 km
Duration 120:15 h
Ascent 5,058 m
Descent 5,612 m

This route is a Section of the Sultans Trail, an international long-distance hiking trail from Vienna to Istanbul. The hiking route follows ...

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from Max Smits,   Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route
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Chinarite - Ancient Plane Trees, Belastitsa


8604 75
4124 Plovdiv
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recommended route Difficulty T1 moderate Open
Distance 456.9 km
Duration 120:15 h
Ascent 5,058 m
Descent 5,612 m

This route is a Section of the Sultans Trail, an international long-distance hiking trail from Vienna to Istanbul. The hiking route follows ...

No ratings (yet)
from Max Smits,   Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route
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