Belogradcik

Overview

The Kale Fortress The Belogradchik fortress is a historical and architectural monument. The Bulgarian architects Diakovich and Dobrouzki made the first hypothesis for the ancient building in the end of the 19-th century. In the period between 100 - 300 AC, there was an ancient fortification built on the highest point of the rock massive. It used to guard the Roman road stretching north from Ratsiaria (on the Danube), passing trough the Balkan Mountains and continuing south to Nish, Skopie and Rome. The road was used mainly for military purposes. Communication was established with smoke signals during the day, using giant fires by night and when there was fog - by pounding giant drums. 150-meter-deep pits surrounded the fortification and the only access to it by that time was a 25-meter ladder cut directly in the rock. The archeological research has found many arrows, spear tips and metal parts, as well as pottery and Roman coins from the third century. Bulgarian historians have found evidence of about 17 other fortresses in the Belogradchik region, whose features include bases of ancient buildings and an aqueduct. In the second half of the 14-th century, the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Sratzimir expanded the existing fortification. He also built two walls (Southeast and Northwest) and put a garrison inside. In his reign, the Belogradchik fortress became the second-best in size and importance after the Vidin fortress, which was his main castle. In 1365, the Hungarian king Ludovik I invaded the Vidin area, captured Ivan Sratzimir...more

History