Fortresses in Bulgaria: The Guardians of History
As an Erasmus+ student or Solidarity Corps Volunteer, who currently lives in Bulgaria, or is planning to move, you might be interested in diving even deeper into the history of the country.
Visiting a fortress in a foreign country can offer an immersive experience that enriches your understanding of the country's history, culture, and language. It can be a catalyst for language learning, providing real-world context, motivation, and opportunities for language practice.
In the following lines, I will introduce you to five of the most impressive fortresses (BG translation - крепост /krepost/) in Bulgaria, which undoubtedly deserve to be visited and will transport you the atmosphere of past eras, while still preserving the stories of the people who have lived on these lands and have shaped the modern image of the Bulgarians.
The first stop of our historical journey is the Tsarevets Fortress (BG translation - Крепостта Царевец /Krepostta Tsarevets/).
Source: Canva
It is located in central Bulgaria near the old town of Veliko Tarnovo. It was the main fortress during the Second Bulgarian Empire when the Tarnovgrad, was the capital. In the Middle Ages, the hill on which it is located was entirely built up with residential and administrative buildings. Today, the fortress still displays the remains of over 400 houses, 18 churches, a royal palace, and more, and at the top, it reveals an incredible panorama of the city. Tsarevets stands as a symbol of Bulgarian history.
The Kaliakra Fortress (BG translation - Крепост Калиакра /Krepost Kaliakra/) is a historical site located on the Kaliakra Peninsula in Northeastern Bulgaria, overlooking the Black Sea. This impressive archaeological complex represents a historical fortress with a rich history, associated with numerous civilizations that inhabited the region for millennia. It was the capital of King Lysimachus, one of the successors of Alexander the Great and ruler of Thrace. The Kaliakra Fortress is situated on a rocky peninsula with a steep cliff rising to 70 meters above sea level. This natural wonder not only provides a high vantage point for the fortress but also offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea.
Source: Canva
One of the most interesting legends about Cape Kaliakra tells the story of 40 young maidens taken captive during an Ottoman invasion and imprisoned in the last cave at the edge of Cape Kaliakra. The girls, faced with fear but determined to preserve their honor, were inspired by the bravest among them to tie their hair together and leap from the window into the 70-meter abyss, plunging into the waters of the Black Sea.
Nestled in an unusual stone landscape, the Belogradchik Fortress (BG translation - Белоградчишка крепост /Belogradchishka krepost/) is one of the most emblematic and visually striking sites in Bulgaria. It is not by chance that the fortress was among the nominated objects in the competition for the New7Wonders of the World in 2009.
Source: Reneta - OLS Community Manager
The fortress was built during the time when the territory was part of the Roman Empire, using exceptional rock formations that are 70 meters high as part of its walls. After the division of the Roman Empire, it became part of Byzantium. Later, during the Ottoman Empire's rule over Bulgaria, the fortress structure was modified and expanded, taking on a more typical European appearance. Today, the fortress has been restored and declared a cultural monument.
To the south of the Belogradchik Fortress is the town of Hisarya (BG translation - Хисаря /Hisarya/). The town is fortified with a large fortress wall built in 293 AD. Built on the ruins of Roman baths, it combines ancient architecture from the Middle Ages and Ottoman rule. The fortress wall played a crucial role in protecting the town, extending for 2,315 meters, with a width ranging from 2.6 to 4 meters. It rises over 12 meters in height and remains one of the best-preserved remnants of fortifications in Europe.
Source: Canva
Asen's Fortress (BG translation - Асенова крепост /Asenova krepost/ is another historical site that is worth visiting while learning or volunteering in Bulgaria.
Source: Reneta - OLS Community Manager
It is named in honor of Tsar Asen, one of the significant rulers in the medieval history of Bulgaria. The fortress is strategically located, controlling important routes, and serving as a key part of the defensive system of Bulgarian lands. Combining Roman, Byzantine, and medieval elements, Asen's Fortress represents a treasure of architectural heritage and Bulgaria's history. A visit to this historical site provides an opportunity to immerse in the Bulgarian cultural context and learn more about the country's traditions and history.
Understanding Bulgarian history and culture is crucial for learning the Bulgarian language. It can help you better understand the social and cultural nuances and make you feel more connected to the Bulgarian cultural identity. Additionally, it can bring you more motivation to delve into the study of the Bulgarian language.
Start your Bulgarian language learning journey HERE.
Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian
Source: Canva