Urvich Fortresss

The construction of Urvich Fortress is believed to date back to the 13th century, when it was likely built to secure the pass to Sofia. Surrounded by the waters of the Iskar River, it was considered almost impregnable. Historically, Urvich is closely linked to the final battles of Tsar Ivan Shishman against the Ottoman forces in the late 14th century. After conquering Ihtiman and Samokov, the Ottomans targeted Sofia and had to capture Urvich first. According to a legend, the fortress was taken through betrayal: a shepherdess, under duress, revealed a secret passage used by the defenders for water supply, after which the Ottomans surprised and destroyed the complex.

Urvich Fortress is located in the municipality of Kokalyane, in the Sofia City district, in the Sofia City region of Bulgaria. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 676 m above sea level.

Today, only parts of the foundations, a defensive tower, and the fortress church “Sveta Iliya” remain of the once mighty Urvich Fortress. The remnants are accessible to visitors and can be explored.

• Kokalyane Monastery (Sacred building), approx. 0.8 km away
• Vrana Palace (Residence), approx. 9.1 km away
• Dragalevtsi Monastery (Драгалевски манастир) (Sacred building), approx. 12.3 km away
• Ancient City of Serdica (Sofia (София))-Amphitheater (Ancient structures), approx. 17.4 km away