Articles from category: Fortresses from bulgariainside.com

Boukelon Fortress

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:05:00 +0300

The village of Matochina is situated on the border between Bulgaria and Turkey, on the bank of Toundzha River 40 km away from the town of Svilengrad. A steep hill hosts the remains of Boukelon fortress, one of the best preserved military constructions in Bulgaria. The fortress is 65 m wide and 150 m long. Its tower and part of the fortress wall have been preserved best. All facilities were made of stone having brick belts passing through them. The fortress had three levels. Its highest floor had semi-cylindrical shape and acted as a small chapel. Boukelon fortress was constructed during the Roman period. A major battle took place there in 387. The Roman empire was defeated and emperor Valentinian was killed near Boukelon. New construction over the existing tower took place throughout time. One of the renovations took place between the 12th and 14th centuries. According...

Razgrad - the Ancient Roman City of Abrittus

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:20:00 +0300

Abrittus preserve is situated several kilometers away from the town of Razgrad and holds the remains of an ancient Roman settlement. A Thracian settlement was initially located there. In the 1st century, Roman conquerors came to the area and established a military camp. A century later, the camp turned into a city. Its apogee came in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Later, the city got a wall having 35 towers and four gates. Once the empire accepted Christianity, Abritus turned into a bishop’s center. In the end of the 6th century, the city experienced decline because of barbaric assaults. A Bulgarian fortification appeared in time, but was destroyed during the conquest of the Kiev prince Svetoslav. Archaeological work in the region began in the end of the 19th century but major discoveries were made from the 50s to the 70s of the 20th century. Scientists looked for...

Markeli Fortress

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:18:00 +0300

Markeli fortress is situated 7.5 km away from the town of Karnobat and 50 km away from the coastal city of Bourgas. The medieval fortress is situated on the Hisar highland, part of the eastern Stara Planina range. Markeli acted as an important military and strategic center and played major role in the relations between Bulgarians and Byzantines. The fortress protected the sole road to Vurbishki and Rishki passes, which further increased its importance. The length of the fortress walls is 530 m. Its protective ditches and ramparts can still be seen today. These are some of the biggest artificial defense facilities constructed on the Balkan Peninsula. Markeli was practically unconquerable and managed to get supplies during sieges via a special river facility. Archaeologists discovered during research in the region a basilica dating back to the 6th century, an Old Bulgarian...

Sevlievo's Hotalich Fortress

Sun, 02 May 2010 14:44:00 +0300

The medieval fortress and settlement of Hotalich are situated four km northwest of Sevlievo. The location was selected because of its strategic importance. Hotalich appeared in the gorge of Rositsa River in the 5th century. Byzantines were responsible for fortress construction. In the 10th century, Bulgarians decided to use the place for the construction of a defense facility. It protected the country from barbaric assaults from the north. The fortress was the biggest fortification after facilities in Pliska, Preslav and Turnovo. Until the 70s of the 20th century, nobody knew that the fortress was beneath the ground, several km away from Sevlievo. Workers found it accidentally in 1979. Archaeologists discovered a church and an older temple that dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries. Excavation works began in 1981. Archaeologists discovered 86 stone constructions beneath...

Byzantine Fortress near Mezek

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 10:10:00 +0300

The ruins of one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Bulgaria can be seen west of the village of Mezek. Mezek fortress is the best preserved fortification in the Rhodope region. It is situated near the village of Mezek, six km away from the town of Svilengrad. The border between Bulgaria and Greece is only one km away. Fortress walls surround an area having the shape of an irregular tetragon of size of 110 by 60 m. It has tetragonal shape and has been made of stone. Two brick belts pass through the stone wall. Nine towers provide further security, five of them being positioned on the southern fortress wall. Construction took place in the end of the 11th or the beginning of the 12th centuries. It probably took place under the reign of Alexei I Komnin. The fortification was used until Ottomans conquered the region. The fortress acted as a castle and probably housed...

Cherven Fortress

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:02:00 +0200

The Medieval fortress of Cherven is situated 30 km south of the town of Rousse. Well preserved remains tell the long story of the town-fortress. Byzantine emperor Justinian constructed Cherven in the 6th century. Soon after Bulgarians gained control over the region and the fortification. A settlement appeared close to the stronghold during the coming centuries. It was divided into two parts, a citadel and an outer town. The citadel was situated on the most unapproachable place of the hill. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the town grew and many remains found in the area confirm the fact. The town was an important place and a bishop’s residence. The fortress functioned as the main northern defense facility of the capital of Turnovo. The stronghold had big walls for protection. A water provision system enabled it to get water from a nearby spring whenever the...

Belogradchik Fortress

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:41:00 +0200

The Belogradchik fortress is located in the western Stara Planina Mountain region, surrounded by the astounding Belogradchik rocks. Romans built it as a way to protect their roads. Belogradchik was part of a big defense system along with other facilities in the region. The defenders communicated via various signals in cases of danger. Natural rocks were used to shape two of the four fortress walls. Belogradchik was an important defense point after the formation of the Bulgarian Kingdom. It kept its original medieval appearance until the end of the 18th century. In the late 18th and the 19th century, Ottomans changed its plan and added constructions in order to strengthen the facility in connection with the Austrian invasions and the dangerous local Bulgarian independence movement. Until the end of the 19th century, the fortress was well preserved and maintained. Then it was...

Khan Omourtag's Temple

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0200

The fortified temple Bulgarian khan Omourtag was built in 822. Its construction is connected to the expansion that the khan undertook. Omourtag’s temple is an example of the Pliska and Preslav architecture school. It is situated close to Han Kroum village, 10 km away from the town of Shoumen and about 100 km away from Varna. Numerous archaeological findings were made in the region, mainly connected to the Goth tribes. Many of the artifacts discovered there were placed in Goth graves and the entire region tells their story. Years ago, archaeologists discovered in the vicinities of Omourtag’s temple two graves. These contained jewelry and a box that were untouched by treasure hunters. Traditional clothing accessories were discovered, as well. One of the most interesting findings is a set of cosmetic artifacts. These were used by women and worn on their...

Lovech Fortress

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:17:00 +0200

An important Roman station on a crossroad on the right side of Osum River hosted Lovech fortress. It is situated on the Hissarya hill. The fortress extends on the upper two terraces of the hill. Hill rocks were integrated in the construction to make the fortress difficult to conquer. This also made undermining of the foundations during a siege impossible. Lovech fortress is the one that resisted the siege of the Byzantine emperor Isaak II Angelos who tried to suppress a Bulgarian revolt. After the failure of the Byzantine siege in 1187, the emperor was forced to sign the Lovech peace treaty which marked the beginning of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The town was situated under the fortress on the lowest terrace of the hill. The residence buildings and the workshops were in the town. The remains of seven churches were discovered in the fortress ruins. The earliest church...

Borovets Fortress

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:06:00 +0300

Borovets fortress is still little known but archaeologists believe that learning more about it will help them get a grasp of new historical facts. The fortress is situated at Goliam Borovets peak, in the folds of Stara Planina Mountain. It is located in the area between the Pravets region villages of Razliv and Praveshka Lakavitsa. To reach the fortress, you need to follow an asphalt road, which then turns into a forest path. The walk lasts 30 minutes. Borovets was used during the Antiquity and Middle Ages. The fortress served an important strategic purpose. Its location enabled visual contact with other major fortifications in the region among which Ourvich, Ostroma and Chertigrad. All of these fortifications were constructed to protect important roads passing through the area. Excavation works are still ongoing. Archaeologists discovered massive defense system, the...

Storgozia Fortress

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:57:00 +0300

The remains of Storgozia fortress are situated in Kailuka park near the town of Pleven. The place has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Storgozia was constructed from the 4th to the 6th centuries by Romans. Fortress walls are nearly two m thick and have been covered in stone. A series of premises inside the fortress had residential and administrative purposes. An early Christian basilica was positioned in the eastern part of Storgozia. It turns out to be the second biggest basilica after the royal one in Pliska. The fortification system, as well as the basilica have been preserved and renovated by archaeologists. Taking into account evidence, archaeologists believe that the fortress bragged beautiful interior decorations.

Nicopolis ad Istrum

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:31:00 +0300

Remains of the ancient Roman settlement Nicopolis ad Istrum are situated 18 km north of Veliko Turnovo, on the road to Rousse. The settlement was founded in the 2nd century AD by emperor Trajan. Nicopolis ad Istrum means city of the Danube victory. The city was situated on a crossroad. It was near the important roads to present-time Varna and the road connecting present-time Svishtov to Istanbul. As every city in the Roman empire that appeared accidentally, construction features straight streets that cross each other an angles of 90 degrees. Archaeologists found out that the settlement initially lacked fortress walls. These were constructed later on, after a devastating barbarian assault. A gate was situated somewhere close to the walls. The main gate, however, was situated in the west, looking towards the capital of the empire. It was called Romana gate. The town had...

Asenova Fortress

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:23:00 +0300

Asenova fortress is one of the best known Bulgarian fortifications. It is situated on a vertical rock in the Rhodope Mountains, a few kilometers away from the town of Assenovgrad. The fortress appeared 2500 years ago as a Thracian settlement. Its remains were used several centuries later by the Romans and the Byzantines in the construction of their own fortresses. The stronghold came under Bulgarian control in the 9th century. Chronicles and coins minted during that period prove the fact. Protection of the road between Plovdiv and the Aegean Sea became the main function of the fortress. It also protected visitors to the neighboring Bachkovo monastery. This safety led to the appearance of two settlements, Bachkovo and Petrich. Expansion of the fortress happened in the 13th century during the reign of king Ivan Assen II. Bulgaria and the Latin empire experienced some setbacks...

Baba Vida Fortress

Wed, 27 May 2009 16:19:00 +0300

Baba Vida fortress is situated in the outskirts of the town of Vidin, in the northwestern part of Bulgaria. Its long history started nearly 2000 years ago, when the fortress was built on the spot previously hosting a Roman fortress used as an observation post. Throughout centuries the stronghold was used as a fortress and castle of local rulers. During the reign of King Ivan Sratzimir, ruler during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom period, Baba Vida was expanded and improved and became the primary residence of the king. Baba Vida was the most important fortification in this part of Bulgaria during the period. During the Ottoman reign over Bulgarian lands, the fortress was used as a defense facility, which changed its architecture plans and internal arrangement. Many barracks were also built. Now Baba Vida is fully restored in its medieval appearance. The fortress has square...

Shoumen Fortress

Thu, 07 May 2009 14:21:00 +0300

The remains of the ancient Shoumen fortress are located three km away from the center of the town of Shoumen. The name of the town probably derived from the name of king Simeon the Great. Thracians probably constructed the fortress, which was later on modified by Bulgarians, Romans and Byzantines. Shoumen fortress is one of the oldest fortifications in Bulgaria with its 3200 years of history. The fortress was a complex of buildings and military equipment and hosted the town until the 15th century. It played key role during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and was used in the first years of the Ottoman reign. In 1444, the crusaders of Vladislav III of Varna destroyed and burned the Shoumen stronghold. Today, remains of the fortress can be seen, together with the outdoors museum that was set up there. Excavation works uncovered important details about the life and military...

Kabile Fortress

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:46:00 +0300

Kabile archaeological preserve is situated five km away from the town of Yambol. The ancient settlement of Kabile is part of this preserve. The preserve is located in the region of Sredna Gora’s Zaichi Vruh and the view from that spot is breathtaking. Ceramic dishes discovered in the region show that the area was populated long time ago. Kabile appeared around an ancient Thracian sanctuary. According to historians, a settlement appeared there for the first time in the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 1st centuries BC. Alexander the Great’s conquest led to reconstruction and the settlement started resembling Greek cities with the typical acropolis, square, temples and fortress walls. Romans conquered the region in the year 72 BC. Kabile became one of the most important transport, military and economy centers of Thrace province. Archaeologists...

Riahovets Fortress

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:38:00 +0200

Riahovets fortress is situated three km west of the town of Gorna Oriahovitsa. It was probably constructed during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD to protect Roman roads. Bulgarians continued using the fortress, which became especially important during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The capital at that time, Turnovgrad, was situated only seven km away from Riahovets and served as its main protective facility. Two theories explain the name of the fortress. Some believe it was derived from the Bulgarian word for walnut (oreh). The second theory states that the name comes from the Persian word rah, meaning road. Riahovets was constructed in an area providing natural defense from three sides. Constructors used the rocks and the terrain to fortify the building. Karel Škorpil, the first explorer of the fortress, wrote that he discovered two legends about Riahovets....

Ourvich Fortress

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:12:00 +0200

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.

Gradishte Fortress near Tvarditsa

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:05:00 +0200

The remains of the old Gradishte fortress occupy a region on the road to Elena that is few kilometers away from the town of Tvarditsa. The town’s name came from the one of the fortress. Tvarditsa meant fortification in old Bulgarian. Exploration works in the region have not advanced yet. Yet historians know that Thracians built the fortress. Byzantines and Bulgarians made many improvements. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the fortress played key role as a part of the Stara Planina Mountain fortification system. The inner yard of Gradishte measures approximately 25 000 sq m, which leads to the conclusion that it was a shelter for the people who lived in the near villages and a town itself. The remains of a church from the 10th century can be seen there. Part of the church decoration and wall-paintings is still preserved.

Tsepina Fortress

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:00:00 +0200

Western Rhodopes host the remains of Tsepina fortress. It can be seen only six km northwest of the village of Dorkovo. Tsepina was one of the most popular medieval Bulgarian fortifications. The altitude of the location is 1136 m. Tsepina became a part of Bulgaria in the 9th century. It was built on a rocky peak that is inaccessible from three of four sides. The only way to reach the peak is through a southern path, where an important medieval town was set up. The town was probably destroyed along with the fortress during the Ottoman invasion. Fortress walls surround a big inner yard. A castle was situated on the highest spot of the yard. Historians think that Tsepina was the main residence of king Kaloyan’s nephew and governor Alexi Slav, who later moved to Melnik. The remains of three churches were discovered in the fortress yard. One of the churches used to...

Sostra Fortress

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:43:00 +0200

Sostra was an ancient Roman fortress. Its remains now lay in the valley of the Osum River between the towns of Lovech and Troyan. Excavations were launched only few years ago and most of the developments that took place there are still veiled in mystery. According to historians, Sostra was built as a fortification for the troops garrisoned to protect a very important road from the Danube to Philippopolis. The name Sostra probably has Greek origin and means connection. This name signifies the strategic positioning of the fortress. A map from the 4th century features the fortification. The presence of troops provided safety that attracted people to settle there. Very soon, a craftsmen’s district appeared in the town. In the end of the 5th century, the fortress and the town were destroyed by the Huns. Visitors today can see some of the remains. Others are still being...

Despot Slav’s Fortress in Melnik

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0200

Despot Slav’s fortress, also known as Melnik fortress, can be seen only a kilometer away from the little town of Melnik. The ruins were discovered in the foundation of the St. Nikola church. The fortress was probably built in the 11th century. It was reconstructed in the 13th century under the rule of Governor Alexi Slav, who gave his name to the stronghold. Melnik acted as an important cultural, economic and religious center in the past. During the Roman and Byzantine rule, it had the statute of an emperor’s domain. Archeologists who explored the region found the remains of a temple of Artemis there. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, Melnik strengthened its positions as a bishop’с center. The main purpose of the fortress was to protect the treasures of Melnik and the region, especially during the rule of Alexi Slav and Dragota who chose...

Samouil Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:29:00 +0200

Samouil Fortress is located in the gorge near the village of Kliuch, 20 km west of Petrich and only four km away from the border between Bulgaria and Greece. It is situated on a hill by the river of Stroumeshnitsa. The fortress was a part of a big defense system that king Samouil built in the 11th century. All architectural characteristics typical for the First Bulgarian Kingdom are displayed in the fortress construction. It was built over ancient Slav and Thracian settlements with the purpose of protecting the whole valley. A major Bulgarian defeat happened in the area. In 1014, Emperor Basil II defeated the troops of Bulgarian king Samouil. Nearly 14 000 Bulgarians were taken as prisoners. Basil II decided to blind the prisoner. Each 100th warrior was left with one eye to be able to lead the other home. King Samouil survived the battle. Yet, the view of his defeated and blinded...

Rousokastro Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:27:00 +0200

The ruins of the ancient castle Rousokastro are situated close to the village of Zheliazovo in the Bourgas region. The other name of the fortress is Chervena Krepost, or red fortress, because of the red stones used in the constuction. The 2.5 m thick walls surround a town enclosed within the fortress. Excavations that started recently showed that the fortress was constructed over the ruins of a Thracian sanctuary from the 2nd millennium BC. Similar developments were discovered at Perperikon. Exploration has been ongoing. Archaeologists believe that the fortress was of major significance and was situated in a populated region. The castle is mentioned in the ancient historical documents in connection to many battles between Bulgaria and the Byzantine Empire. The most important battle that took place there involved the troops of King Ivan Alexander and the Byzantine emperor...

Pliska

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:55:00 +0200

Pliska is the first capital of Bulgaria since the state was founded in 681. Until king Simeon moved the capital to Preslav in 893, Pliska was the main cultural, economic and administrative center of the new kingdom. Historians believe that Pliska was built over the ruins of an ancient Slavic settlement. The ruins of Pliska now reveal the history of the town. The total area of the city was 23 sq km. Since there were no natural defense from enemies (Pliska is situated in lowland that lacks hills and mountains), the city was fortified via three defense systems. The outer one was a deep moat with high embankment that surrounded the town. The second one consisted of walls, watch-tower and gates. The citadel was surrounded by another wall. The palace and the khan residence were in the citadel. The ruins of the big palace have been preserved perfectly and happen to be one of the most...

Perperikon Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:46:00 +0200

Perperikon archaeological complex is situated 15 km away from the town of Kurdzhali. Archaeologists discovered there evidence of numerous past developments, hidden in the many historic layers. Exploration has been ongoing over the past five years and is expected to continue in the future. The fortress was build over the ruins of an ancient Thracian sanctuary, which appeared to be the most sacred place in the region for millenniums. A fortress wall, an acropolis, a palace and residential suburbs constitute the complex. Perperikon was massive and only stone was used in the construction. During the reign of emperor Justinian, the fortress was restored and fortified. Soon after that, Slavs invaded the region and settled there. The fortress eventually lost its magnificence and importance. In the 9th century, the Byzantine Empire regained its power and Perperikon fortress became a...

Krakra Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:42:00 +0200

Pernik fortress is also known as Krakra. It is situated in the southwestern outskirts of the town of Pernik. Khan Omourtag, an early Bulgarian ruler, probably ordered its construction. The fortress provided protection to the western border of the Bulgarian kingdom. Because of its key strategic position, the fortress was set up to be massive and strong. During the 10th and 11th centuries, Pernik fortress became the main fortification of the local ruler, Krakra of Pernik. The fortress was the center of his defense system consisting of 35 fortresses along the coast the Strouma River. During the rule of Krakra, Pernik fortress played key role in the war of king Samuil against the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Since then, the fortress carries the name of the brave Krakra. The legend says that Krakra and his warriors survived 88 days under Byzantine siege. The Byzantine emperor...

Ovech Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:27:00 +0200

The remains of an ancient castle can be seen near the little town of Provadia. The fortress carried the name Ovech. According to historians, Ovech was part of a Byzantine defense system, hindering the invasion of northern tribes. When it came under Bulgarian control, the fortress played key role in many battles during the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Ovech is situated on a high, rocky hill. A narrow strip of land connects the stronghold with another hill, Tabiite. Legends tell how wheat and food were stored in the nearby caves to supply locals in case of a siege. Byzantines, Ottomans and knights captured the fortress many times. King Ivan Alexander ordered the confinement of three prisoners in the fortress in 1366. The knights Amadeus of Savoy and the marshal of burgundy were two of them. They were captured by the Ovech army during the battle for Varna. Small portion of the...

Koznik Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:06:00 +0200

The remains of the medieval Bulgarian fortress of Koznik now can be seen on a rocky hill above the little Rhodope Mountain town of Roudozem. The fortress was a part of the Rhodope defense system along with few other facilities. The remains are still being examined by archeologists and historians are expected to reveal much more about its functions and development. A Roman sanctuary was uncovered as well during the exploration process. According to historians, Koznik fortress was given as a gift to king Ivan Alexander by the Byzantium Empress Ana Savoy, along with several other fortifications. A female adornment was found there in 2007 as well as parts of a spindle. The discovery shows that the families of soldiers lived there, together with the fortress guards. The purpose of Koznik was probably to defend the settlements in the region and the road to the Aegean Sea....

Konstantsia Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:30:00 +0200

The outskirts of present-day town of Simeonovgrad, the so called Asara neighborhood, host the remains of one outstanding medieval Bulgarian fortress, Konstantsia. Studies of the remains reveal that the fortress was built as a town with defense fortification in the 4th century and existed until the 13th century. Ancient historians described as a well-protected rich administrative, military and religious center. The area surrounding the settlement featured fertile land and agriculture became the main occupation of locals. Ancient historical chronicles mention the city for its rich crop production. Excavations uncovered three-m thick walls and a system of underground tunnels. The city was one of the biggest and most important in northern Thrace. Bulgarians conquered Konstantsia for the first time during the reign of Khan Kroum. The fortress was mentioned in connection to King...

Drustur Fortress

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:23:00 +0200

Drustur fortress probably was originally a Thracian fortification used by the Romans as the foundation for the construction of a major town by the Danube River. The growth of the town and the fortress happened during the first three centuries AD. They were given the name Dourostoroum. During the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius, a legion was sent there. Soon, the soldiers attracted merchants and other civilians. A border point, a temples and private villas were built. The town had very strong trade connections with the other parts of the Roman Empire. In 238, the city was destroyed by the invasions of the Dacian tribe Carpians. In the 6th century, Slavs settled in this region. The city came into existence once again, strong and mighty with its new name Drustur. In the middle ages, the fortress attracted the Bulgarian, the Byzantine and the Kiev rulers because of its...

Beadnos Fortress

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:35:00 +0200

Beadnoss fortress is located in the Rhodope Mountain region, close to the village of Beden. It was part of the Rhodope fortification system along with the Assenova fortress, Turlata and Gradishteto. It was build before the 9th century. The strategic location gave panoramic view of the West Rhodope region. Fortress guards observed all roads and paths in the region and in case of danger warned other fortification via fire. Beadnoss fortress, along with several other fortifications, was presented as a gift to king Ivan Alexander by Ana Savoy, the Empress of Byzantium. The fortress had two big walls. The inner wall was made of stone and the outer was made of pine tree trimmer joists. The foundations of the fortress are in the shape of an irregular tetragon with approximate longitude of 50 m and width of 25 m. A big settlement was situated near the fortress. Fortification...

Anevo Kale Fortress

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:23:00 +0200

The ruins of Anevo Kale fortress, also known by its medieval name Kopsis, are situated in the region of Anevo village near the town of Sopot. Historians believe that the fortress was built during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in the 13th century and was destroyed in the 14th century. Medieval rules were used in the construction of the fortress. The fortress got its citadel and a town was set up in its vicinities. Archaeologists discovered the remains of four churches and a monastery in the area. The fortress town prospered in the second half of the 13th century. During that period it acted as the main fortress of three governors, Smilets, Radoslav and Voisil. Nowadays Anevo Kale is one of the few well preserved Bulgarian fortresses. Fortress walls that are 12-m high have been kept in good condition. The fortress is accessible for visitors and many tourists come to see it....