Asen's Fortress

... from Katerina in Get to know Bulgaria! Visits 1823 7 June, 2019
Located about 3 km south of Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, on the northern slopes of the Western Rhodopes.

The Asen's fortress is located about 3 km south of Asenovgrad,Bulgaria, on the northern slopes of the Western Rhodopes, on a rock massif on the left bank of the River Asenitsa (Chaya). In 1973 it was declared a national monument of culture.

Located about 3 km south of Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, on the northern slopes of the Western Rhodopes.

It was once an ancient settlement with the name "Petrich" (translated from the Greek language means rock, stone). In 1231 Tsar Ivan Asen II further strengthened her and in his honor the fortress was renamed Asen's fortress. In support of this statement there is a carved inscription on a cliff, stating the following: "In the Leto 6739/1231, 4, of God Exalted King Asen of Bulgarians, Greeks and other countries put Alexi Sevasta and build this city."

As a result of archaeological excavations, there are revealed a castle, a complex of residential buildings, a family church of the fortress manager, a fortress tower and two reservoirs, all connecting each other with stone stairs.

One of the biggest attractions there is the church "St. Virgin Mary Petrich", which is well preserved to this day. It is one of the first in eastern orthodoxy, which has both a belfry and a watchtower. It was restored in 1991 and still performs the function of an orthodox church. In it you can see preserved frescoes from the XIII century.

This may be the most visited landmark in the near Asenovgrad. The view from it is indescribable. There is a restaurant next to it. You can walk to the fortress in a stroll. I hadn't been there for a few years. A novelty for me was that the trails in the object are already secured with handrails.

The fortress has paid parking.

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