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 abandoned and eventually began crumblinh. In the 20th century, it was restored and named a monument of culture of major significance. Now the fortress is open for visitors.
The Belogradchik fortress is one of the best preserved strongholds of Bulgaria. The fact that it was functioning until 100 years ago probably aided its preservation.