Belogradchik Fortress
Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria - 2022 Danube River cruise. The Belogradchik Fortress is an ancient fortress located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains above the town of Belogradchik. The fortress is made up of three separate fortified areas connected by gates. The upper and original fortress was constructed by the Romans as a surveillance post. The Bulgarians extended the fortress in the 14th century by building fortified garrisons in front of the upper wall. The fortress was captured by the Ottomans in 1396 and further expanded by them during their occupation of the region.
An additional highlight of the area are the Belogradchik Rocks (some of which form part of the fortress) which are strangely shaped rock formations of sandstone and conglomerate rock and which cover an area of 50 km2 (19 sq. mi).