Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Bulgaria

Asen’s Fortress

The fortress is located in the Rhodope Mountains near Asenovgrad. The medieval castle sits atop a cliff overlooking the Asenitsa River. Asen’s Fortress is surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff drops. It dates from the Middle Ages and was renovated in the 13th century. The only surviving building is the Church of the Holy Mother of God, and it is still used as a Bulgarian Orthodox church.

Baba Vida Fortress

This is an imposing fortress located in Vidin, northwestern Bulgaria. It dates back to the 10th century. Baba Vida Fortress is part of a local legend. Legend has it that a Bulgarian king, who lived in Vidin, had three daughters, Gamza, Kula, and Vida. Before he died, he divided his realm into three areas, each to be given to a daughter. Vida received Vidin and the area northward to the Carpathian Mountains. She did not marry but built the fortress herself and named it Baba Vida, or Grandma Vida.

Belogradchik Fortress

This is a stronghold located near the town of Belogradchik on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains in northwestern Bulgaria. It became the second most important castle in the region. Visitors can explore the castle and wander through the massive rock formations.

Castra Martis

Castra Martis was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. It is located in northwestern Bulgaria. The castle overlooks the Voynishka River.

Today the ruins are the centerpiece of the Castra Martis Historical Park, which includes a museum displaying artifacts found during excavations.

Mezek Castle

The castle is located in the village of Mezek, north of the border between Bulgaria and Greece. Dating back to the 11th century, it is among the best-preserved medieval castles in Bulgaria. Mezek Castle was built of stone and has nine defensive towers. In 1927 it became an official archaeological site, and in 1968, a cultural monument of national importance in Bulgaria.

Ovech Fortress

Ovech Fortress is located in the northeastern Bulgarian town of Provadia. It is shaped like a ship and sits atop of a rocky outcrop. The fortress was built by the Byzantines in the 4th century. Parts of the fortress are preserved among the bridge leading to it, the Tabilite Plateau, church ruins, the stone North Gate, marble columns, and turrets.

Castle of Ravadinovo

This castle is located near Sozopol and is one of the most extraordinary castles in Europe. Its intricate architecture includes towers and steeples. Ravadinovo is also known as ‘In Love with the Wind Castle’ and is one of the most beautiful castles in Bulgaria. It was built in 1996 by Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov, a former sportsman and the castle’s architect. The castle is built of 20,000 tonnes of stone called metamorphosed limestone taken from the Strandzha Mountains.

The castle is surrounded by lovely gardens with several freshwater lakes and exotic plants and trees. The lakes are home to black and white swans.

In the gardens you can also find Georgi’s Statue sitting to the right of the entrance, depicted as a brave knight holding a sword.

Onsite is also a winery where you can get a taste of Bulgarian wine.

Other highlights include a chapel with lovely stained glass windows, a small zoo, and a play zone for kids.

Tsarevets Fortress

Tsarevets Fortress is located in the town of Veliko Tarnovo. The medieval fortress sits atop a hill. Veliko Tarnovo was the Second Bulgarian Empire’s capital. The fortress is surrounded by the Yantra River, giving it a triangular shape. It was the former seat of the medieval tsars. Today the huge fortress is among the country’s treasured monuments.

After dark, the Sound & Light Show takes place here with the use of music, church bells, lasers, and psychedelic lights. The show tells the story of the Ottoman conquest of Tarnovo.