published on 02.01.2008, 16:12 Author: Vanina Paskaleva Article rating:
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The remains of Ourvich fortress can be seen near the village of Pancharevo, only few kilometers away from Sofia. It was built on a steep hill surrounded by Iskur River.
Historians believe the fortress came in existence in the 13th century. It was probably named after a local ruler. A second story attributes the name to the Bulgarian word for a steep hill. The legend says that King Ivan Alexander used the fortress as defense against Ottoman invaders. The Ottomans tried capturing Ourvich as it was the final obstacle on the road to Sofia.
The great Bulgarian enlightener Paisii Hilendarski wrote in his History of Bulgaria that Ourvich was an important fortress during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Now the remains are accessible after a short walk up the hill. A six m high part of the fortress wall is still preserved, as well as the walls of the fortress church St. Ilia.
Historians believe the fortress came in existence in the 13th century. It was probably named after a local ruler. A second story attributes the name to the Bulgarian word for a steep hill. The legend says that King Ivan Alexander used the fortress as defense against Ottoman invaders. The Ottomans tried capturing Ourvich as it was the final obstacle on the road to Sofia.
The great Bulgarian enlightener Paisii Hilendarski wrote in his History of Bulgaria that Ourvich was an important fortress during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.
Now the remains are accessible after a short walk up the hill. A six m high part of the fortress wall is still preserved, as well as the walls of the fortress church St. Ilia.
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Ourvich Fortress