ARCHEOLOGY
Bulgaria vigorously keeps the rich historical heritage left by the numerous
cultures who have lived on its territory.
Bulgaria has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Due to its
geographical location, the territory of modern-day Bulgaria is among the earliest
settled regions in Europe. Therefore, the monuments and artifacts of different
historical epochs are numerous: prehistoric finds, Thracian tombs,
archaeological sites from the Greek era, Roman and Byzantine castles, historical
monuments from the time of the First and the Second Bulgarian Kingdom and
from the period of national revival, architectural ensembles in the major cities,
as well as entire villages that have preserved their authentic character.
NORTHWEST BULGARIA
In the ancient times, the Northwestern region of Bulgaria is inhabited by
Thracian tribes. After the Roman conquest, numerous important military and
commercial centers among which Ratiaria, Bononia and Montanezium are
established. The Belogradchik fortress, which is among the best preserved
fortresses in Bulgaria, is also build in that period. Later on, in the Middle Ages,
another stronghold is build – the Baba Vida fortress. It is the only entirely
preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria.
MEDIEVAL FORTRESS VIDA (BABA VIDA)
The “Baba Vida” fortress is the only fully preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria.
It was used simultaneously as a military facility and a regal castle. The fortress
rises on the banks of the Danube river in the Northeast of the town of Vidin.
From ancient times the fortified facilities of the city have been concentrated at
this place, dominating the surrounding lowlands. The “Baba Vida” castle
survived numerous attacks and was repaired and expanded several times. Its
history is more than 2000 years old, and covers various constructional and
architectural periods – ancient (1st – 4th c.), Bulgarian (10th – 14th c.), and
Ottoman (15th – 19th c.). The restoration work is from the 20th century.
BELOGRADCHIK FORTRESS
The Belogradchik Fortress is one of the best-preserved strongholds in Bulgaria.
The initial fortress was constructed during the time when the region was part of
the Roman Empire. The rock formations in the area served as a natural
protection, as fortified walls were practically only built from the northwest and
southeast, with the yard being surrounded by rocks up to 70 m high from the
other sides. Initially, the Belogradchik Fortress served for surveillance and not
strictly defense. Bulgarian tsar of Vidin, Ivan Stratsimir, extended the old
fortress in the 14th century and it became one of the most important strongholds
in the region. During the Ottoman conquest of Bulgaria, the fortress was
captured by the Ottomans in 1396. Considerable changes to the fortress –
expansion and reorganization typical for the Ottoman castle architecture of the
period – were made in the early 19th century. European elements were also
added to the Belogradchik Fortress owing to the French and Italian engineers
that participated in the expansion.
MONTANA ANCIENT FORTRESS
The ancient fortress is situated in the Southwest corner of the city of Montana,
on the “Kaleto” (or the “Gradishte”) height, about 40 meters above the city. The
archaeological excavations revealed a gate with a tower, a large tower – a
brilliant example of the fortress construction during the III and IV century AD,
some military and other buildings, a basilica and walls from the Roman era.
Among the ancient discoveries were also some dwelling of the stone-copper
epoch as well as Slavic dwellings and a sanctuary. The fortress was destroyed
during a Slavic or an Avar attack. Later, over the ruins was established a Slavic
settlement.
SOSTRA
In the picturesque valley of the Osam river, in the heart of the Stara Planina
mountain, just 12 km north of Troyan is situated Sostra – one of the best
preserved Roman cities in present-day Bulgarian lands. A walk among the ruins
of a large Roman fortress, civilian settlements, necropolis, an early Christian
church buildings and of a roadside station will bring you many centuries back in
time. The ancient city is founded in 147, during the reign of Emperor Antoninus
Pius. Sostra is located on the military road connecting the Danube river, Hemus
(Stara Planina mountain) and the Thrace province (present-day southern
Bulgaria) in the past. Even though repeatedly burned by Gothic military troops,
Sostra survives until the end of 5th century, when it is finally destroyed by the
Huns. One of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the complex is the
huge fortified camp-stronghold.
NORTHEAST BULGARIA
The Northeastern region has a long and rich history. The remains of the
necropolis near Varna confirm that this area was once inhabited by one of the
oldest civilizations in the world. Between 5th and 4th century BC the Greek
civilization establishes numerous settlements along the Black Sea coast, such as
Odessa (now Varna) and Kronos (now Balchik.) In 681 the first Bulgarian state
is founded precisely here. The remains of the first and second Bulgarian capitals
Pliska and Preslav, reveal the richness of of the cultural life at the dawn of the
young Bulgarian state.
YAYLATA
Yaylata is a unique place that combines ancient relics with natural beauty. It is
located on the Black Sea coast between Cape Shabla and Kavarna. These lands
were inhabited by Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs, and Bulgarians who
worshiped their gods here. In the Small Yayla, for instance, is discovered
evidence of human activity from prehistory. Here, near the sea, is situated an
original cave city consisting of more than one hundred cave dwellings.
According to the analysis of the stone tools found in them, these caves were
settled since the 5th millennium BC. During the Middle Ages, the caves are used
as a monastery complex. On the other hand, traces from the Antiquity can be
found in the Big Yayla. Here is situated an ancient Thracian necropolis with
bicameral tombs from the 2nd century AD. From these times are preserved also
a sanctuary, sacrificial stones, wineries, and four necropoli of rock tombs,
carved in the rock massif.
NOVAE
The huge antique military camp Novae is located on an area of 250 acres, 4
kilometers east of the modern town of Svishtov. Roman military presence in the
Lower Danubian region started in the middle of the 1st century AD. Around AD
45 legio VIII Augusta, which took part in the quench of the Thracian uprising,
founded its castra, probably at the place where the Danube has its southernmost
bend. After the death of Nero the dislocation of many legions within the Empire
resulted in replacement of legio VIII Augusta by legio I Italica, which stayed in
Novae at least to the 30’s of the 5th century. During the Claudio-Neronian and
Flavian periods the fortress was build from dried brick and wood – such
building phases were confirmed in the headquarters (principia), defensive walls
and the officers’ houses at scamna tribunorum. During the Dacian wars of
Domitian (85-89) Novae was not destroyed significantly, which may indicate
that the main operations took place in the western and eastern part of the
province. Much more significant change took place during the campaigns of
,Trajan when the old constructions of wood and dried brick were replaced by
stone.
DURANKULAK ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX
The Durankulak archaeological complex is world famous and known among
specialists as the Dobrudzha Troy. This area has been inhabited continuously for
more than 6000 years, which allows archaeologists to consider the settlement
mound and necropolis as a benchmark for all other discoveries concerning this
period. The Durankulak necropolis is the largest prehistoric necropolis in the
world. It was discovered on the west shore of the Durankulak lake and is now
fully examined. 1,204 graves were found in the necropolis. The significance of
this discovery is revealed when the following facts are mentioned: only three
other necropoli from that epoch were found throughout the world – in Varna
(Bulgaria) – with 294 graves; near the Cherna Voda vllage (Romania) – with
450 graves; and near the Chernik village (Romania) – with 400 graves.
VARNA NECROPOLIS
The Varna Necropolis is a burial site in the western industrial zone of Varna
(approximately half a kilometer from Lake Varna and 4 km from the city
center), Bulgaria, internationally considered one of the key archaeological sites
in world prehistory. 294 graves have been found in the necropolis, many
containing sophisticated examples of metallurgy (gold and copper), pottery
(about 600 pieces, including gold-painted ones), high-quality flint and obsidian
blades, beads, and shells. There are crouched and extended inhumations. Some
graves do not contain a skeleton, but grave gifts (cenotaphs). Interestingly, the
symbolic (empty) graves are the richest in gold artifacts. 3000 gold artifacts
were found, with a weight of approximately 6 kilograms. Grave 43 contained
more gold than has been found in the entire rest of the world for that epoch. The
artifacts can be seen at the Varna Archaeological Museum and at the National
Historical Museum in Sofia.
VARNA THERMAE
The Roman thermae (baths) are located in the southeastern part of modern-day
Varna. They are among the best preserved monuments from the ancient period
in Bulgaria. They are build during the Roman era in the end of 2nd century AD
and are the largest Roman thermae on the Balkans. According to researchers, the
height of the arched structure was over 20 m and the total area of the facility –
around 7,000 square meters. The baths are functional until the end of 3rd
century AD. The heating system of the thermae is unique. It is connected with
the double floor and the special cavities leading the warm air to the top of the
building. The baths stand near the hot mineral springs, which are still used in
Varna.
KALIAKRA MEDIEVAL FORTRESS
Cape Kaliakra is situated at the end of a long and narrow peninsula on the Black
Sea Coast. The coast has very steep vertical cliffs with a height of about 70 m.
The inaccessibility of the cliffs is the reason, that fortifications were built on the
cape in ancient times. The earliest finds were dated to the 4th century BC, when
the cape was inhabited by the Thracian tribe "Tirizis", which gave the first name
of the fortress - Tirizis. During the late antiquity the settlement was called Acre
Castellum and was one of the fifteen towns included in the Roman Province of
Scythia. During this period the fortress was an important station on the Via
Pontica. The name Kaliakra was mentioned for the first time in the historical
sources in 13th century AD. Kaliakra hay day was during the second half of the
14th century AD, when it became the capital of the so called Dobrudzha (also
called Karvun) Despoty of the Bulgarian independent ruler Dobrotitsa.
THRACIAN TOMB OF SVESHTARI
The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is situated 2.5 km southwest of the village of
Sveshtar, which is located 42 km northeast of Razgrad, in the northeast of
Bulgaria. Discovered in 1982 in a mound, this 3rd century BC Thracian tomb
reflects the fundamental structural principles of Thracian cult buildings. The
tomb's architectural decor is considered to be unique, with polychrome halfhuman, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. The ten female figures carved in
high relief on the walls of the central chamber and the decorations of the lunette
in its vault are the only examples of this type found so far in the Thracian lands.
It is a remarkable reminder of the culture of the Getae, a Thracian people who
were in contact with the Hellenistic and Hyperborean worlds, according to
ancient geographers.
NIKOPOLIS AD ISTRUM
Nicopolis ad Istrum was a Roman and Early Byzantine town founded by
Emperor Trajan around 101–106, at the junction of the Iatrus (Yantra) and the
Rositsa rivers, in memory of his victory over the Dacians. Its ruins are located at
the village of Nikyup, 20 km north of Veliko Tarnovo in northern Bulgaria. The
classical town was planned according to the orthogonal system. The rich
architectures and sculptures show a similarity with those of the ancient towns in
Asia Minor. In 447 AD, the town was destroyed by Attila's Huns. Perhaps it was
already abandoned before the early 400s. In the 6th century, it was rebuilt as a
powerful fortress enclosing little more than military buildings and churches,
following a very common trend for the cities of that century in the Danube area.
The town became an episcopal center during the early Byzantine period. It was
finally destroyed by the Avar invasions at the end of the 6th century. A
Bulgarian medieval settlement arose upon its ruins later (10th-14th century).
ABRITUS
Abritus was built in the 1st century AD on the site of an ancient Thracian
settlement. It was one of the strategic fortresses that defended the Roman
Empire from invasions from the North. Abritus flourished for six centuries due
to its military and trade activities. Before its fall at the end of the 6th century, the
total built-up area of Abritus reached 30 hectares, half of which was behind a
thick city wall that had 35 towers and 4 gates. As a developed Roman city,
Abritus had a clay pipeline, which ensured the water supply. In the center of the
settlement stood a huge private building with an inside court, 22 marble columns
on its east side and 15 to its south, a covered sidewalk, and a small temple.
Abritus is currently open for visitors, and there is a guide who knows the whole
story of this once great city.
SEXAGINTA PRISTA
Sexaginta Prista is located in the northwestern part of the modern city of Ruse.
In the 20th century the Shkorpil brothers are the first to provide information
about the remnants of the fortress. As a result of the archaeological research
carried out in the period 1976-78 and 2005-06, a sector of about 50 meters of the
northwest fortress wall, a tower, six buildings, an Apollo temple and the
headquarters of the Sexaginta Prista troops were discovered. Traditionally, the
name of the fortress is translated as “Port of 60 ships.” After all available
sources were analyzed, it was determined that the castellum got its name in
connection with the events from the end of the 1st century – namely the Dacian
Wars of Emperor Domitian (years 85-89.) At the time, a Roman legion
numbering approximately 6000 people, is transferred across the Danube river
near the mouth of the Ruse Lom river. Precisely 60 ships of the Pristis type are
needed to accomplish this operation. In honor of this victory over the Dacians,
the castellum gets its new name.
SOUTHEAST BULGARIA
As other Bulgarian regions in ancient times, this territory is also inhabited by
Thracian tribes. The Thracian city Kabile (now Yambol) is an important
stronghold under the rule of Philip of Macedonia. The historical past of the
region is mainly associated with the Thracian heritage. Other influences also
play an important role in the development of the regional culture throughout the
ages. In the 11th and the 12th century the Romans build important fortresses in
the region.
VILLA ARMIRA
Villa Armira is a luxurious villa-palace, whose remarkable planning scheme,
lavish marble decorations and original floor mosaics characterize it as a unique
specimen of Roman provincial art and architecture of international significance.
It is one of the earliest and most accurately dated villa complexes from Roman
time, studied so far in Bulgaria. In fact, this is the richest private palace of this
period discovered on the territory of modern Bulgaria. It is build in the second
half of 1st century AD by a prominent Thracian aristocrat, to serve as a center of
a large land property in the valley of river Armira. Covering an area of 3 600
square meters and situated amids a beautiful garden, Villa Armira was a
magnificent two-storey residential building with a panoramic terrace and a
significant number of rooms (bedrooms, ballrooms, guest rooms, workrooms for
the women, bathrooms, and some other chambers totaling 22 only on the 1st
floor) surrounding a large outdoor swimming pool – an impluvium with
dimensions 11 by 7 meters.
PERPERIKON
Perperikon is an archaeological complex consisting of a large megalith
sanctuary, a holy city and a fortress. It is the largest megalith ensemble on the
Balkans. The presumption is that this is the famous during antiquity Dionysus
sanctuary of the Thracian tribe Satrae. The archaeological complex consists of
four parts forming a perfect Neolithic composition:
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a massive fortress wall
an acropolis, build of huge stone blocks, situated at the highest point of
the hill
a palace, carved into the rocks, covering an area of 10 000 square meters
northern and southern suburbs comprising small streets carved into the
rocks, buildings and temples.
Perperikon is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, 15 km Northeast of the town of
Kardzhali, on a 470 m high rocky peak. At its foot rests the Gorna Krepost
(Upper Fortress) village, near which runs the Perperishka river. Along the river
are located archaeological sites from various epochs arranged around the natural
center Perperikon.
MEZEK - THRACIAN TOMB AND MEDIEVAL CASTLE
Mezek is famous for the well-preserved medieval Mezek Fortress and its two
ancient Thracian beehive tombs, the Mezek and Sheynovets tombs.
Mezek is a village in southeastern Bulgaria, part of Svilengrad municipality,
Haskovo Province. It lies at the foot of the eastern Rhodope Mountains, just
north of the Bulgaria–Greece border and not far west of the Bulgaria–Turkey
border. Mezek is famous for the well-preserved medieval Mezek Fortress and its
two ancient Thracian beehive tombs, the Mezek and Sheynovets tombs. The
Mezek Fortress, 6,500 square meters in area, is claimed to be among the best
preserved Bulgarian medieval castles. It dates to the 11th century. Along with
the Thracian tombs, it was studied by a team under archaeologist Bogdan Filov
in 1931–1932. The castle has nine towers, five of which lie at the vulnerable
south wall. The Mezek Fortress was built out of stone, with two decorative lines
of bricks on the outside. It suffered some destruction around 1900, when stones
from the fortress were used for the construction of Ottoman barracks in
Svilengrad. The Mezek Thracian tomb dates to the 4th century BC. It is a large,
elongated tomb that includes a covered passage of 20.65 meters, two rectangular
antechambers of different size and a round burial chamber with a stone
sarcophagus. The number of burials of noble Thracians in the tomb was no less
than four. Gold, silver, bronze, iron and glass items and pottery discovered in
the tomb are today displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia.
THRACIAN TOMB AND SANCTUARY IN TATUL
Tatul is a village in Momchilgrad municipality, Kardzhali Province located in
the Eastern Rhodopes in southern Bulgaria. It lies at 319 m above sea level, 15
km east of Momchilgrad. In the 2000s Bulgarian archaeologists discovered an
ancient Thracian surface tomb and sanctuary in the immediate proximity of the
village, and it was soon recognized as an exclusive religious center in the region
of importance to the whole region according to head archaeologist Nikolay
Ovcharov. Latest archaeological finds date the earliest settlement to 4000 BC.
According to Ovcharov, the site is the sanctuary and tomb of an influential
Thracian leader who was deified after his death. He also links it with the cult of
Orpheus. The ancient sources describe the ritual of burying leaders overground,
on the top of a hill (as opposed to in a mound), as extremely rare, mentioning
only Orpheus and Rhesus as two of the leaders who were buried this
way[citation needed] and as Orpheus was buried in Leibethra close to
Olympus,Greece it only leaves Rhesus as a candidate though both of the
characters are mythological and may have never existed.
KAZANLAK TOMB
This tomb was built for a wealthy Thracian ruler in the 4th century B.C.
This tomb, located in the romantic Valley of Roses, near the town of Kazanlak,
was built for a wealthy Thracian ruler in the 4th century B.C. It is located near
Seutopolis, the capital city of the Thracian king Seutes III, and is part of a large
Thracian necropolis. The tholos has a narrow corridor and a round burial
chamber, both decorated with murals representing Thracian burial rituals and
culture. The perfectly preserved murals are a unique testimony of pictorial art
during the Hellenic period. The artist has conveyed both the rites of a bural
feast, and the inner state of the figures in a talented and realistic way.
MOUND SVETICA
In 2004, in mound Svetica near the village of Kran, is discovered a masoned
tomb of a Thracian ruler form the 5th century BC. Fortunately, the tomb is
found intact and the artifacts in it are in full number. This is one of the richest
graves found throughout the country. In the burial chamber are found the
dismembered remains of the ruler's body, as well as pieces of ritual vessels,
which is evidence of an Orphic ritual. The ruler's unique golden mask, which
weighs almost 700 grams and the golden seal-ring show the grandeur of the
buried Thracian king. Today, the original mask can be seen at the
Archaeological Museum in Sofia.
MOUND OSTRUSHA
The Thracian burial complex in mound Ostrusha near the town of Shipka is
build in the middle of the 4th century BC and functions until the 4th century
AD. The complex occupies an area of a hundred square meters and consists of
five rectangular and one circular chambers. The tomb is build of two monolithic
stone blocks with a total weigh of 60 tons. The first block is cube-shaped and
holds the burial chamber, whereas the second serves as a roof. The ceiling of the
tomb is particularly interesting as it features skillfully carved ornaments, in
which are seen faces of people and figures of animals and flowers. Among the
objects of high archaeological value found in the mound are a horse skeleton,
arms, a silver pitcher, silver decorations for horse harness, a phial, coins of
Philip II of Macedonia as well as pottery.
MOUND GOLYAMA KOSMATKA
Golyama Kosmatka is a Thracian mound near the town of Shipka, in which on
September 21st 2004, the famous Bulgarian archaeologist Georgi Kitov,
discovers one of the most magnificent and richest Thracian tombs with a fully
preserved grave of a Thracian king, buried with his horse. The tomb is build in
the 3rd century BC and consists of three chambers and a 26 meters-long
corridor. The first room is rectangular and in it was found the horse skeleton.
The second chamber is circular with a 4.5 meters-high domed roof. At the
entrance of this room a marble door with human depictions is found. The third
chamber is a monolithic block of granite – a sarcophagus weighing about 60
tons, in which with great precision is carved another room containing the stone
bed of the Thracian king. The size of the tomb and the immense value of the
precious objects found in it, prove that the buried person was an important
Thracian ruler. Inscriptions on the protective armor indicate that the name of the
ruler is Seutes. It is assumed that this is the famous Seutes III, the lord of the
Thracian city Seutopolis.
KABILE
Kabile is an ancient urban center from the time of Alexander the Great and his
father Phillip II. It is located in Southeastern Bulgaria about 5 km from the
modern town of Yambol. The antique settlement is situated on a plateau near the
big turn of the Tundzha river. The acropolis of the ancient village stands on the
rocky Rabbit peak, west of the plateau. Fragments of ancient pottery are found
on the steep slopes of the Rabbit peak. This proves that both the plateau and the
hill were inhabited in antiquity. Conquered by the Romans in 72 BC, Kabile
flourishes as a transportation, military, and commercial center of the Roman
province of Thrace. The remnants of the constructed during this period Thermae
(Roman baths,) public buildings, military premises, city gates, and castle walls,
are found during archaeological excavations. The discovered monumental threenave basilica with mosaic floors and the smaller one-nave basilica with a
baptistery (pool used for baptism) are from the 4th century AD. They are
evidence of the earliest period in the city after the adoption of Christianity. In
583, the center of the city is conquered and destroyed by the Avars. From this
period a treasure of 64 gold coins is discovered.
STARA ZAGORA - AUGUSTA TRAYANA FORUM
Much of the antique city of Augusta Trayana can be seen in the very center of
Stara Zagora (just behind the Palace of Justice and the Old Theater) including
the forum of the antique city with the remains of an amphitheater, thermal baths,
city walls, the western gate and part of the main trading street. The antique city
forum is located in the southwest part of the ancient city, right next to the city
fortress walls and the western gate. The uncovered part has an area a little less
than an hectare. In ancient times, the stone square was covered with wellworked stone plates, but today, only the pedestal (where the emperor's
equestrian statue had been placed) is preserved in its center. Nine rows of stone
seats, situated in tiers, face the square. The theater, where performance can still
be seen today, can accommodate 1300 seated spectators. This unique piece of
the antique architecture is believed to have been built no later than the 3rd
century. The city baths facade, which had more than ten spacious halls, was
uncovered behind it.
STARA ZAGORA - NEOLITHIC DWELLINGS
Stara Zagora is considered one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria and in
Southeastern Europe. The first inhabitants of these lands are farmers and
cattlemen who arrive there in the late 8th and early 7th millennium BC – the
Neolithic Age. There are five prehistoric settlements within the bounds of the
modern city of Stara Zagora, but the two dwellings from the early Neolithic
period are the most intriguing discovery. These two dwellings from the end of
the 6th millennium BC are among the best preserved prehistoric houses in the
world. Their rich inventory (the richest in Europe) reveals the human life and
development during this period. The dwellings are found on the territory of the
oldest settlement in the region, and are currently conserved and exhibited in a
special protective building – the “Neolithic dwellings” museum. The two
Neolithic houses are build as a twin construction sharing one roof. The walls are
made of wattle and are plastered inside and out with clay. The floors and the
furniture are also made of clay. Also, the dwellings have an oven, bed, altars,
numerous clay bowls, large clay containers for grain, a clay platform, stone
tools, and mills for grain.
SOUTHWEST BULGARIA
The rich history of the Southwestern region determines its important and leading
role throughout the centuries.
SAINT GEORGE ROTUNDA
The St George rotunda is an Early Christian red brick rotunda that is considered
the oldest building in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is situated behind the
Sheraton Hotel, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica. Built by the
Romans in the 4th century AD, it is mainly famous for the 12th-14th century
frescoes inside the central dome. Three layers of frescoes have been discovered,
the earliest dating back to the 10th century. Magnificent frescoes of 22 prophets
over 2 meters tall crown the dome. Painted over during the Ottoman period,
when the building was used as a mosque, these frescoes were only uncovered in
the 20th century.
HAGIA SOPHIA
The Hagia Sophia Church is the second oldest church in the Bulgarian capital
Sofia, dating to the 6th century AD. In the 14th century, the church gave its
name to the city, previously known as Sredets. The church was built on the site
of several earlier churches and places of worship dating back to the days when it
was the necropolis of the Roman town of Serdica. In the 2nd century AD, it was
the location of a Roman theater. Over the next few centuries, several other
churches were constructed, only to be destroyed by invading forces such as the
Goths and the Huns. The basic cross design of the present basilica, with its two
east towers and one tower-cupola, is believed to be the fifth structure to be
constructed on the site and was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor
Justinian I in the middle of the 6th century (527-565 AD). It is thus a
contemporary of the better-known Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople.
TRIMONTIUM
The ancient Trimontium was one of the biggest towns in the Roman empire. The
numerous traces discovered from that period prove the grandeur and richness of
the town. The Forum had impressive dimensions (112m long and 100m wide),
while the preserved fragments reveal the imposing architecture, whose building
and art decoration specific features vary during the different historical stages of
development of Trimontium. Close to the Forum was discovered, restored and
exhibit the small but very refined building of the covered theater, the Odeon. On
the hill of Dzhambaz tepe (one of the three hills) is situated the great open
theater, built in the first half of the 2nd century, which was one of the most
imposing public buildings in the Roman town. The theater was restored and
nowadays it is used for various musical and theater performances. From the
town stadium (2nd century) is preserved only the northern part of the stadium
(caveate) together with its equipment. This fragment was restored and exhibited
along with the discovered in its vicinity fortification wall and the foundations of
a Roman aqueduct. On numerous sites in the town were discovered and restored
parts of the street pavement of the ancient town, as well as fragments of well
preserved mosaics, exhibited in the underground levels of some public buildings
and subways.
ASENOVA KREPOST (ASEN'S FORTRESS)
Asenova krepost is a medieval fortress in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, 2-3
km south of the town of Asenovgrad, on a high rocky ridge on the left bank of
the Asenitsa River. The earliest archaeological findings date from the time of the
Thracians, the area of the fortress being also inhabited during the Ancient
Roman and Early Byzantine period. The fortress gained importance in the
Middle Ages, first mentioned in the statute of the Bachkovo Monastery as
Petrich in the 11th century. The fortress was conquered by the armies of the
Third Crusade. It was considerably renovated in the 13th century (more
precisely 1231) during the rule of Bulgarian tsar Ivan Asen II to serve as a
border fortification against Latin raids, as evidenced by an eight-line wall
inscription. The foundations of fortified walls (the outer ones being 2.9m thick
and preserved up to a height of 3m, originally 9 - 12m high), a feudal castle, 30
rooms and 3 water repositories have been excavated from this period. The best
preserved and most notable feature of Asenova krepost is the Holy Theotokos of
Petrich Church from the 12th-13th century. It is a two-storey cross-domed
single-naved building with a wide narthex and a large rectangular tower, and
features mural paintings from the 14th century. The conservation and partial
restoration works on the church were finished in 1991 (the whole fortress was
left to decay after the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century and only the church
remained standing in its original appearance as it was used by the local
Christians) and now it is in regular use as a Bulgarian Orthodox church. Taken
by the Byzantines after Ivan Asen II's death, the fortress was once again in
Bulgarian hands at the time of Ivan Alexander in 1344 only to be conquered and
destroyed by the Ottomans during their rule of Bulgaria.
USTRA FORTRESS
The most beautiful fortress in the Rhodope mountains is Ustra. It is located on a
steep rocky peak from which an incredible view towards the Eastern Rhodopes
is revealed. The fortress is build in the Middle Ages – around the tenth century.
It is mainly ruled by Byzantines and less by Bulgarians. The primary function of
the Ustra fortress is to facilitate the control and defense of the main road. Today,
part of the eastern wall of Ustra as well as all the foundations of the inner
buildings and the defensive towers, are still preserved.
TSEPINA FORTRESS
Tsepina is one of the most legendary and majestic fortresses in Bulgaria. It is
located on a conical peak and occupies about 10 acres. The place is inhabited
since the Chalcolithic Age. The wall is 210 cm thick and in the inner part of the
fortress are found perfectly preserved reservoirs from the 12-14th century, the
largest from which is 10 m deep. Also, the foundations of several churches from
the 12-13th century and of one early Christian from the 5-6th century, are
discovered. In the center of the Tsepina fortress are located a castle and
residential buildings erected over an ancient Thracian settlement. In 1207
Despot Slav declares Tsepina capital of the Ahrida province. Numerous epic
battles are fought for control over the fortress, the last being the one against the
Turks. After nine months of siege, Tsepina finally falls into their hands.
PAUTALIA - THERMAE AND FORTRESS
Modern day Kyustendil, with its ancient name Pautalia and medieval name
Velbazhd, is a place of seven thousand years of history, two thousand of which
are with continuous urban tradition. Established and expanded on a fertile land
crossed by rivers and major roads and located near hot mineral springs, the city
has always been a big administrative, economic, and spiritual center. The
Ancient Thermae (baths) in the center of the city are part of the second largest
Asclepion within the Roman Empire and date back to the 2-3rd century AD.
Even today, these impressive buildings speak of the magnitude of this religious
and balneological center with its treatment rooms and recreational swimming
pools with hot mineral water, the Odeon, the stadium and the sanctuaries spread
across the Hisarlaka hill. On the top of the hill, one can see the majestic walls of
the fortress (4-14th century), which survived the collapse of the Roman Empire,
the rise and downfall of Byzantium, the destiny of the First and Second
Bulgarian Empires, the dramatic years of the Konstantinov principality, and the
conquest of the Turkish invaders. The stronghold is currently surrounded by old
trees, well-formed walking alleys and beautiful places for recreation.
NIKOPOLIS AD NESTUM
The remains of the ancient Roman town of Nikopolis ad Nestum can be found
seven kilometers to the east of the town of Gotse Delchev, close to the village of
Garmen. The old town was built on the left bank of the Mesta river in honor of
Roman Emperor Trayan’s victory over the tribe of the Dacians in 105-106 AD.
Necropolis ad Nestum was one of the two such fortified towns built in presentday Bulgaria by Emperor Trayan (98-117 AD) to mark his victory. The original
town occupied a territory of about 25-30 decаres and had the shape of irregular
quadruple. It was ruined in the 6-7th century by the Slavs but re-emerged as a
medieval settlement in the late 10th century. The town had been inhabited for
about 14 centuries with its peak reached in the late antiquity (4th-6th century
AD).
STAROSEL
Starosel is located near one of the main centers of the ancient Thracian culture.
There are dozens of mounds, in which Thracian rulers and warriors are buried.
In some of the mounds huge stone tombs and religious facilities can be found. In
the Chetinyova mound is located the most magnificent Thracian temple build in
the 5th century BC. It is surrounded by a 240 meters-long and 3.5 meters-high
stone wall with a perfect rectangular shape made of thousands of stones. Stone
staircases and a magnificent corridor lead to a beautifully ornamented portal.
Behind it is the first chamber, which is rectangular. The next room is the main
chamber, which is circular and has a diameter of 5.5 meters. Half-columns with
blue, red and black painted ornaments encompass its walls. Thirty meters away
from the main temple is discovered a rich funeral sarcophagus. Among the
perfectly preserved artifacts found in it are a golden ring with an image of a
horseman, battle armor, arrows, as well as silver, bronze and painted ceramic
vessels.
BELOVSKA BASILICA
The Belovska basilica is one of the best preserved early Christian churches in
Bulgaria. It is situated amids the beautiful northwestern slopes of the Rhodope
mountains and serves as a large spiritual center until the 17th century when it is
destroyed by the Turks during the great conversion to Islam of the Bulgarians
from the villages around Velingrad. The location is still a place of worship. Near
the old basilica is build a church, that is quite remote from the surrounding
villages but is nevertheless frequently visited.