Momina kula Fort
The late ancient and medieval fortress Momina kula is located in the settlement of the village of Kremen in one of the narrowest and most picturesque stretches of Mesta River in Momina ravine. It is situated 6 km south-east of the village of Kremen and in the same direction respectively 31 km and 86 km away of Bansko and Blagoevgrad. The capital Sofia city is located 180 km in the north-west.
The fort is situated upon a hill surrounded by deep valleys from three sides. It was probably built in the II-III century and was then abandoned and restored only in XII century. It occupies an area of about 500 sq. m.
The legend
There are several legends about Momina kula. One tells of a brave girl who jumped into the deep abyss laying before her in order not to be captured alive into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. She found her death there. The population named the area Momina kula to perpetuate the heroism and sacrifice of the girl.
According to another legend, the fortress was built by the sister of King Ivan Shishman - Kera Tamara, after she escaped from Turkish captivity.
architecture
The fortress's fortifying wall used to surround the entire hill. It was built of local crushed stone bonded with plaster. The nests of decayed transverse and longitudinal beams are visible in many places. The wall is preserved from the western side and reaches a height of 8 m. The only entrance of the fort was from this part.
Two rock formations loopholelike were discovered to the south. There are also pieces of domestic pottery, characteristic of V-VI and XII-XIV century. In the rocks under the castle there is a natural cave with several entrances, galleries and halls with remains proving the existence of a prehistoric settlement. Today the cave entrances are walled and the access to it is impossible.
It can be assumed from the present state of the fort that it was rebuilt twice and has been used in quite a long time, from the Antiquity to the Middle Ages. The fact that in 1951 looters find there 7 gold coins from the Byzantine Emperor Komnenos reaffirms that. There are also arrows with iron tips.
transport
Momina kula fort is reachable via asphalt road from Gotse Delchev or Bansko. With a car you can only reach the road expansion under the cliff with the fort. From there you should take a path in the north going up to the fort. In 20 minutes you reach the fort itself.
accomodation
The cisitors of the fortress can take advanatage of sveral hotels in Dobrinishte /23 km north-west/, in the municipal center Bansko as well as of one guest house in teh village of Obidim /16 km in the north/.
Sources: http://pirin.bg, http://www.planinite.info, http://terrabyzantica.blogspot.com
Photos: http://terrabyzantica.blogspot.com
Chuprene Biosphere Reserve
The reserve is one of the largest biosphere reserves in Bulgaria. It is established in 1973 to preserve the northern coniferous forests of Bulgaria. In 1977 it was included in the list of biosphere reserves under the program "Man and Biosphere".
See on the map
Water Holes Cave
Water Holes Cave is located in Apriltsi Municipality, within the Central Balkan National Park on the northern slope of the massif of Botev Mount.
See on the map
Albotin rock monastery
Albotin monastery is an inactive Medieval rock monastery included in Vidin diocese.
See on the map
Uzana - the geographic center of Bulgaria
Uzana - the heart of the Balkans. In its embrace, the mountains has kept this extraordinary place where you can fully take charge with power and hours to enjoy its grandeur and beauty of nature.Far from the urban vanity you will find abundance of colors and shades, serenity and peace of mind. Here the warbling of the birds and the whisper of wild grasslands will put a spell on you forever.
Chervenitsa - geological phenomena over the village of Kunino
The natural phenomenon Chervenitsa is a molded boulder, rising more than 150 m above the terrace of the river Iskar in village of Kunino. It is located about 46 km east of Vratsa and approximately 120 km northeast of Sofia.
See on the map
The museum of salt
A unique museum in the whole Eastern Europe dedicated to the production of salt by solar evaporation of sea water, Pomorie
See on the map
Lopushanski monastery "Sv. Yoan Predtecha"
The Lopushanski monastery is located in the Balkan Mountain in the valley of Dalgodelska Ogosta river. It is operational and consists of a church, residential and farm buildings and a white stone fountain, all surrounded by a stone wall.
See on the map
Taukliman Reserve
Natural Reserve Taukliman typical landslide with length of about 4 km, formed between the edge of the Dobrudzhansko plateau and the coast.
Basilica Sveta Sofia - Sofia city
The Early Christian basilica Sveta Sofia is an active Orthodox church in the center of Sofia city. The church was probably built in the early VI century on the ruins of early Christian tombs from II - IV century and the ruins of two earlier churches from IV-V century. It is located among the necropolis of the ancient Serdica.
See on the map
Medieval fortress "Monyak"
"Monyak" fortress is one of the largest and high located fortresses in the Rhodopes near the village of Shiroko pole, Kardzhali Region
See on the map
Vakarelski monastery "St Petka"
Vakarelski monastery "St Petka" was found in XX century and now it is working occasionally. It was functioning as nunnery.
See on the map
"The Womb" cave
A unique Thracian temple near the village of Nenkovo, Kardzhali Region
See on the map
Thracian sanctuary "Gluhite kamani"
The megalithic complex "Gluhite kamani" is one of the largest Thracian sanctuaries since BC, whose strength continues to act today to anyone who visits it.
See on the map
Krivus Fortress
A medieval fortress located on a picturesque cliff above Arda River near the village of Bashevo, Kardzhali Region
See on the map
"St. Konstantin and Elena" monastery near Ladzha quarter, Ivaylovgrad
The monastery of Lazdha or Ivaylovrad monastery "St. Konstantin and Elena" is situated close to Ladzha quarter in the town of Ivaylovgrad
See on the map
Rakovitsa monastery Sveta Troitsa
Rakovitsa monastery Sveta Troitsa was was found in X-XI century and during the Middle Ages was an important literary and cultural center in Bdin area.
See on the map
Roman tomb - town of Hisarya
The Hisar tomb is a late Roman family tomb built in the second half of the IV-th century.
See on the map
Elenska basilica
Elenska basilica is early Christian temple that is preserved to nowadays and is situated in proximity to the town of Pirdop
See on the map
"St. Theodor Tyron and Theodor Stratilat" church
A unique monument of culture with extremely precious frescoes and icons included in UNESCO's list with the World Cultural Heritage, village of Dobarsko, Blagoevgrad Region
See on the map
Ovech Fortress
One of the oldest fortresses in Bulgaria located on a high mountain plateau above the town of Provadiya
See on the map