Крепост Вишеград

How to Get to Visegrad Fortress

From the town of Kardzhali, head south towards Momchilgrad. About 5 minutes after leaving the town, take the turnoff for the village of Gluhar. From there, follow the signs (or your GPS) to the village of Visegrad. The distance from Kardzhali to Visegrad is approximately 12 km, which takes about 15–20 minutes by car.

About Visegrad Fortress

Visegrad fortress,whose name originates from the Slavic language and means “high city,” is an important historical monument with a long and fascinating history. Its name is typical of fortresses in various Slavic countries, where it often denotes fortifications located in elevated places.

Historical Origins

Built between the 4th century BCE and the 1st century CE, Visegrad Fortress was a strategically significant site. Covering an area of 562 square meters, it controlled the main route in the region and served as the residence of the governor of the Ahridos area. Its structure and scale resemble a medieval feudal castle, making it an impressive example of military architecture from that era.

Археологически Разкопки

The fortress is located on a sharp peak called “Kamenen Harman” (Stone Threshing Floor) and was constructed on the foundations of an earlier ancient fortress. Access to the site was limited to certain points, enhancing its defensive capabilities. During archaeological excavations conducted between 1971 and 1974, significant finds were uncovered, including remnants of walls, floors of dwellings, furnace foundations, millstones, fragments of clay vessels, and iron tools. The oldest artifacts date back to the transition between the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, proving the fortress was inhabited during Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Archaeological Excavations

Visegrad Fortress underwent two major construction periods, with the first linked to the Late Roman era. Its walls were built from broken stone bonded with white mortar, featuring characteristic circular holes from horizontal wooden beams running through the walls. The walls were 2.2 to 2.5 meters thick and constructed directly on the rocky terrain. Large limestone blocks were used at the corners, and the main access to the fortress was from the east, through a rectangular tower.

First Construction Period

The first construction phase of the fortress is associated with the Late Roman period. The walls were made of broken stone and mortar, a typical technique of the time. Foundations for pilasters flanking the entrance were discovered in the western part of the fortress. No evidence of internal partition walls from this period has been found.

Second Construction Period

The second construction period dates to the Middle Ages, during which the fortress underwent repairs and reconstructions. The walls were reinforced, and the eastern tower was extensively remodeled. The entrance was narrowed to 1.5 meters, and a solid tower was built on the western side of the fortress. A single structure of clay along the northern wall’s interior is interpreted as a chapel based on iron liturgical crosses found during excavations.

Connection to Other Fortresses

Visegrad Fortress has a visual link to Moniak Fortress, located on the opposite bank of the Studen Kladenets Reservoir, near the village of Shiroko Pole. This visual connection was of strategic importance for monitoring and controlling the region. The fortress offers a stunning view of the reservoir, which is now popular among fishing and water sports enthusiasts.

Visegrad Fortress is not only an important military and strategic site but also a cultural and historical symbol of the region. It reflects the rich history of the area, bearing witness to various eras and civilizations that have passed through these lands. The archaeological discoveries and architectural features make the fortress a valuable monument contributing to the understanding of Bulgaria’s past.

Features

Regions

town of Momchilgrad