The medieval town and fortress Cherven

from Katerina in Get to know Bulgaria! Visits 1993 21 July, 2020

The medieval town Cherven is located within the nature park Rusenski Lom, about 35 km from the town of Ruse, Bulgaria, to the village of Cherven. It is one of the most important military-administrative, ecclesiastical-cultural and economic centers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-15th centuries) and is the heir of an early Byzantine fortress from the 6th century.

The medieval town is located on a high rocky plateau along the river Cherni Lom with breathtaking views. It consisted of a large castle (citadel), fortress walls, an outer city (located in the lowlands), underground water supply passages, public administration buildings, churches, street network, residential buildings and workshops. Archaeological finds include jewelry, monuments, pottery, treasures, handicraft tools, household items and more.

In 1235 it became the seat of the Red Metropolitanate. It was an important road stop from the Danube river to the country. An interesting fact is that during the archeological excavations on the Eastern fortress wall a tombstone was discovered with an inscription dedicated to the Hungarian princess Anna-Maria, who died in 1237 - wife of Tsar Ivan Asen II.

In 1388 the medieval town was attacked and devastated by the ottoman turks. In the 17th century he experienced a new period of economic recovery.

How did we get there? Following the signs and Google Maps, we reached a large and wide parking lot, where there is a cafe. There you can buy tickets for the fortress, refresh yourself with a drink or something to eat.

The medieval town and fortress Cherven has been declared a national archeological reserve. The walk to its medieval ruins can be combined with a visit to the Orlova chuka cave and Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.