The Fortress of Ivan Asen, more famously known as the Petrich Fortress, is located three kilometers from the town of Asenovgrad. A paved road leads to the ruins of the fortress perched on a cliff, where the only entirely preserved building is the church. The church is one of the first in the Christian world, to feature a square tower that serves as both a bell tower and a watchtower. This is due to the limited space in the fortress.
The foundations of the castle date back to the time of the Thracians. Due to its strategic location in the Rhodope Mountains, it was supported by Constantinople, and later Veliko Tarnovo. In the year 1231, Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Asen II expanded the fortress and reinforced its defenses. During his reign, the fortress played an important role in the defense system of the Bulgarian state. Today, the road leading to the fortress is a favorite place for the residents of Asenovgrad to take walk. There are many chapels in the vicinity.
If you want to learn more about the history of the fortress and the surrounding area, visit the Historical Museum of Asenovgrad.
Fortress/ruins
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Asenovgrad