Belogradchik Fortress (Белограчишка крепост)

The origins of the Belogradchik Fortress date back to the Roman era. Between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, the Romans erected fortifications here to protect important trade routes on the Balkan Peninsula, especially the connection to the city of Ratiaria. They built the highest part of the complex, the citadel. After the division of the Roman Empire in 395, the region fell to Byzantium, before the fortress became part of the newly founded Bulgarian state at the end of the 7th century. Under Tsar Ivan Shishman (1356–1396), the fortress underwent significant expansion and reinforcement. In 1396, the Ottomans took control, rebuilt the complex, and used it to secure the western part of their empire and to suppress Bulgarian uprisings. In 1850, leaders of the Belogradchik Uprising were executed in the fortress, commemorated today by a monument. The fortress had its last military significance during the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885.

The Belogradchik Fortress is located in the town of Belogradchik, in the district of the same name in the Vidin region of Bulgaria. It stands at an elevation of approximately 588 meters above sea level.

The remains of the fortress are now accessible to visitors. The complex comprises three separate courtyards and a defensive system. One can still admire the walls, up to two meters thick and twelve meters high, which are equipped with loopholes for rifles and cannons. A monument commemorates the execution of the uprising leaders in 1850. From the highest point, the so-called “First Stone,” there is a wide view over the Balkan Mountains.

• Roman city of Ratiaria (Ancient Buildings), approx. 28.2 km away
• Roman fortress Castra Martis (Ancient Buildings), approx. 32.2 km away
• Baba Vida Fortress (Баба Вида) (Fortress), approx. 44.4 km away
• Montana Fortress (Монтана) (Fortress), approx. 50.1 km away