Asen's Fortress is situated 6 km away from Bachkovo Monastery and 19 km from Plovdiv. It dates back to the height of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 - 1396) - Asen Dynasty. The fortress - known as ''Petrich'' , first appeared in history books during the 11th century. The Asen's Fortress was rebuilt during the time of the Roman Emperor Justinian as one of 300 fortresses erected to defend the Empire against invasions by Slavic Tribes. Asen's Fortress has been there periods of substantial construction - during the 9th, 11th and 13th centuries. The Byzantines would break ground on the small fortress tower in the 9th century and countinued construction over the next few centuries.
The first small fortress tower was built by the Byzantines and further construction continued overtime as the towns of Petrich and Stenimahos surrounded it. Given its strategic location at the entrance to the pass connecting. The first written reference to the Asen's Fortress dates from the founding of the nearby Bachkovo Monastery in 1083.
In 1231, Tsar Asen II completed the largest expansion and rebuilding of the fortress, as proclaimed on a carved stone monument, that's why The Asen's Fortress is named after him. The fortress has been controlled by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians and Ottomans, and each left its archeological record. Based on extravagantion of the Asen's Fortress, there is a feudal castle, with a living quarters complex, churches, a fortress watch tower and all which are woven together by stone steps and passageways. Beneath the feudal castle, discoveries were made of what is now known as the church coutyard of the Blessed Virgin of Petrich Church.
The most attractive thing about Asen's Fortress is the view. The fact that the Ottomans took the Asen's Fortress regardless, should give some indication as to the scale of forocious and bloody combination which once filled this peaceful mountain valley. The first story of the church was probably set aside, with frescoes dating to the 13th century. The church is one of the oldest in all of Eastern Orthodoxy and has a tower once used as a watchtower. After it was restored it was consecrated as a functioning Orthodox Church. Asen's Fortress offers a clear picture of Medieval military fortification and gives visitors the feeling that they've been transported back to a much earlier age. The approach to the church and the castle is by way of narrow path. Asen's Fortress was declared an architectural monuments. Asen's Fortress is a well - preserved medieval fort, an authentic example of the medieval times. The Visitors can feel themselves the hard experience that soliders in the past had, while serving there.
Book a private trip to The Asen's Fortress. It doesn't matter the city you want to depart - Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, etc... We can arrange your one-day trip to this destination and many other in Bulgaria. If you choose our services you can be sure that you will have English-speaking driver, clean and air-conditioned car, which would make your vacation more pleasant and comfortable.