Two Bulgarian nature sites nominated for the Seven World Wonders

Standart Daily, Lora Simeonova

Belogradchik Rocks competes with Mount Vesuvious

"These rocks are as if touched by God". In these words Georgi Ushakov - a Bulgarian living in Canada advertises the Belogradchik Rocks in the competition for the most phenomenal nature wonders. The group of bizarre sandstone and limestone rock formations situated near the town of Vidin (northwestern Bulgaria) is among the first seven nominated wonders; 261 beautiful sites on six continents will compete till July 7, 2009. They were chosen among 441 nominations from all over the world. The Belogradchik Rocks are in the running with the Everest, Grand Canyon, Mont Blanc, Mount Vesuvious, Loch Ness, Lake Balaton, Titicaca Lake, Niagara Falls, Bora-Bora and the Great Barrier Reef.

Each country might participate with only one natural phenomenon in the competition for nature wonder. However, Bulgaria sneaks with two due to the nomination of the Danube River running through 10 European countries.
Voting forms are available at www.7wonders.com and voting will be closed on July 7. The 77 most voted for nature phenomena would continue the contest. On July 21, a competent jury led by the former director-general of UNESCO Federico Mayor will decide what are the most unique sites in the world. Thus 21 wonders of the world will run for the final.