Description
Asen's Fort is an important stop on the most popular religious and cultural routes through the Rhodopi Mountains. Asen's Fortress is a medieval fortress and a strong reminder of Bulgaria's glorious past.
The fortress has existed since the time of the Thracians 3000 B.C. and was extended, fortified and named after Tsar Ivan Asenin 1231 during his reign.
It was conquered by the Crusaders during the Third Crusade and was largely destroyed during the fall of Bulgaria under Turkish rule.
The panoramic views from the fortress of Asen are astonishing. It was for this reason that the fortress of Asen is located on this steep rocky hill and has been rebuilt over the centuries. Its successive rulers, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, admired its impenetrable position.
Because of its strategic location at the entrance to the pass connecting Thrace with northern Greece and the Aegean Sea, and because it is in the middle of fertile farmland, Peter's Fortress (as it was then called) gradually became an independent agricultural centre with its own administration, army and military command.
The church "The Holy Mother of Petrich" is the only fully preserved building and can be reached via a steep narrow road. This church is a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture in Bulgaria. It has been restored and church services are performed regularly.
There is a small car park next to the fortress and an information board that tells the history of this landmark.
Access to the church and the feudal castle is via a path, where on your left you will see the preserved walls that are sometimes 3 metres thick and 4 metres high.