Ritlite is a natural landmark located on an area of 123 hectares, on the left bank of the Iskar River above the village of Lyutibrod. It consists of four parallel rock walls with a length of 200 meters. It is part of the protected area of the Vratsa Balkan Natural Park.
The name comes from the walls’ similarity to the side of an oxcart. East of the rocks is the village of Kortingrad, surrounded by the remains of at least nine medieval Bulgarian churches. The best preserved of these churches is dedicated to St. George, and dates back to the 10th or 11th century. Kortingrad has not existed since the 17th century, but some of its inhabitants founded the present village of Lyutibrod.
One of the most famous hiking trails in the region is the one joining Lyutibrod with the Okolchitsa rest-house. The path follows the route of the retreat of Hristo Botev’s revolutionaries after the death of the great Bulgarian poet in 1876. Near Ritlite is the historic area Rashov Dol, which in recent years is host to a reenactment of the last battles of the revolutionaries on June 3rd. Next to it is a small chapel and a plaque in memory of the years of struggle and hope.
Natural site
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Luti brod