Asen’s Fortress is a hidden gem located near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. With its fascinating history and breathtaking architecture, it’s no wonder that it has become a popular tourist destination.

In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the history of Asen’s Fortress, from the battles it has witnessed to its rise and fall. We will also explore the architectural marvels of the fortress, including its ancient walls and archaeological excavations.

Additionally, we have put together some tips for visiting Asen’s Fortress and answered some frequently asked questions about this remarkable site.

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The earliest archaeological findings at Asen’s Fortress date from the time of the Thracians. It continued to be inhabited during the Ancient Roman and Early Byzantine periods. Initially, the fortress was a small strategic fortress tower on the pass connecting Plovdiv with Belomorieto along the gorge on the river Chaya. As the surrounding area was developed, the population of the fortress grew.

The first written mention of the fortress is in the Charter of the Bachkovo Monastery, where it is called “the fortified settlement of Petrich.”

The fortress gained importance in the Middle Ages when it withstood multiple Ottoman attacks. This stronghold witnessed fierce clashes, showcasing the resilience of the Bulgarian people. The fortress played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history, leaving a lasting legacy.

Over the centuries, Asen’s Fortress served as a pivotal feudal castle and a stronghold, witnessing changes in control from various empires. It underwent significant architectural modifications and played a crucial role in fending off Ottoman forces.

The fortress was captured by the Crusaders during the Third Crusade.

In 1205 the Latin Duke of Philippopolis, Renier of Trit, fled from Philippopolis, which was under pressure from Tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria, and took refuge in Asen’s Fortress (at the time called Stanimaka). Renier of Trit would be besieged in the fortress for eleven months with just 40 knights before being relieved by the army of Latin Emperor Henry of Flanders.

During the Middle Ages, the Assen fortress underwent several construction periods, the most significant being the one from 1230 to 1231, the work of Tsar Ivan Assen II, when, in connection with the deteriorating relations with the Latins, it was strengthened and expanded.

However, its significance waned with evolving regional geopolitics.

Nestled within Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains, Asen’s Fortress symbolizes the intertwined history of Thracians, Romans, and Bulgarians. Its medieval fortifications and the only preserved building, the Church of the Holy Mother of God, with mural paintings add to its cultural significance and attract visitors from across Europe.

Asen’s Fortress has large rectangular towers and well-preserved walls, revealing its military and strategic significance. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress tower and the church, a testament to the architectural prowess of the 14th century.

Encircling the entire complex, the ancient fortress walls of Asen’s Fortress showcase remarkable craftsmanship using local stone. They provided protection, offering insights into engineering techniques of the era and bearing witness to the builders’ ingenuity.

Comprehensive studies of Asen Fortress began in 1970 with a focus on conservation efforts. From 1970 to 1978, the western part of the rocky massif was explored through regular archaeological excavations, covering an area of 1800 square meters.

The excavation mainly focused on the acropolis part of the fortress, making it the most extensive archaeological survey of the fortress terrain. The study revealed the fortress walls, an inner fortress tower, water reservoirs, a small fortress church, living quarters, and more.

The fragments of household ceramics, animal bones, and other objects discovered during the excavation suggest that the fortress also served as a residence for the Asen Fortress defenders.

The best preserved and most notable feature of Asen’s Fortress is the Church of the Holy Mother of God from the 12th-13th century. It is a two-storey cross-domed single-naved building with a wide narthex and a large rectangular tower, and features mural paintings from the 14th century.

Constructed most likely in the 12th century, it features two stories, of which the upper story is the church proper and the lower story is of unclear function. The rectangular tower over the church’s narthex is regarded as the earliest preserved of its kind in the Balkans. Fragments of frescoes are visible on the walls of the church’s upper story.

The church, commonly known as the Church of the Holy Mother of God, may not have been given this name initially. The dedication is based on a partial Medieval Greek inscription in the church, believed to have been a donor’s inscription. However, this was the name of the main church at the nearby Bachkovo Monastery. It is more likely that the inscription refers to the monastery and its connection to the church in Asen’s Fortress rather than providing the name of the church.

In the past, the Church of the Holy Mother of God was the endpoint of two rival religious processions organized by the ethnic Greek and Bulgarian communities of Asenovgrad. The Greek procession occurred in 1899, while the Bulgarian one happened a few years later. These processions began after a man claimed to have seen lights and heard chants while passing near the abandoned church. Both processions ended with a Divine Liturgy observed at night by the church.

The church suffered damage during an earthquake in 1904. It was reconstructed by a team led by architect Aleksandar Rashenov in 1936.

The Church of the Holy Mother of God is about 18 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 12 meters high. The church’s walls are made of alternating bands of stones and three rows of bricks held together with mortar. The north wall is an exception, as it is mainly made of stones with only one band of bricks.

The church has two stories. The upper story was used as the church proper and the place of liturgy, while the lower story has an unclear role. It may have been built due to the unfavorable rocky terrain or served as a tomb or storage facility. However, the latter is considered more likely because no human remains have been found inside, even though the lower stories of similar churches were usually used as tombs.

The church has a single elongated nave with a dome and a five-sided apse on the east. The dome is held up by arches and vaults, while the apse has a round interior and five sides outside. The sanctuary to the west of the apse has three vaults for the bema, prothesis, and diaconicon and is separated from the nave by two pillars. The church entrance is on the south wall, and there are 16 windows throughout the church.

The church features a rectangular tower to the west of the nave. It could have served as a bell tower, watchtower, or both and was accessible via wooden ladders. The tower has four wide vaulted windows and a rectangular dome covered with roof tiles. It is the earliest example of a belfry integrated into a church building and arranged above the narthex in Balkan architecture, and this design later became a standard in the Balkans.

The Church of the Holy Mother of God is decorated with blind arches, a typical design element in medieval Bulgarian architecture. The south facade and the dome prominently feature these arches. A large arch on the south wall connects the lower and upper stories, while the apse is particularly richly decorated with rows of elongated bricks, triangular shapes, and lattice patterns made of red bricks.

The church’s upper story features fragments of frescoes, mainly on the interior, but there are also traces of mural painting on one of the blind arches. The frescoes inside include images of the Baptism of Christ, Pilate’s Court, the Dormition of the Mother of God, and the Crucifixion of Jesus. The portraits of saints that can be recognized include John the Baptist, the apostles Peter and Paul, Constantine and Helena, and the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. The south wall depicts military saints, while the north wall mostly features monks. The preserved frescoes were done in the 14th century and are an example of Palaiologan art. All captions to the frescoes are in Medieval Greek.

There are a few hotels near Asen’s Fortress in Asenovgrad. However, most people stay in Plovdiv and take a tour to Asen’s Fortress. The castle marker on the map below is Asen’s Fortress. You can change the dates, set your preferences, and zoom in and out to explore the area hotels.

Nestled amidst Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains, Asen’s Fortress is easily accessible by road from Asenovgrad. Visitors can join day tours to reach the fortress, situated just 20 kilometers from Plovdiv. A visit to Bachkovo Monastery is often included on trips to Asen’s Fortress. On our day trip, we went to both Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery from Plovdiv and the trip was three hours.

Here are some great options for a private tour to Asen’s Fortress! In addition to the options below, we have used GetTranfer to book private transfers and recommend it as well.

Embarking on your road trip from Plovdiv to Asen’s Fortress allows you to explore at your own pace. Whether you prefer exploring in a compact car or an SUV, finding the most suitable rental service to fit your travel needs is easy. Embrace the adventure of driving yourself and be free to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace.

The drive from Plovdiv to Asen’s Fortress is 21 km (13 miles) and takes around 30 minutes. The drive from Sofia is 169 km (105 miles) and takes slightly more than 2 hrs. To rent a car, we recommend Discover Cars.

Fall/Winter/Spring Seasons:

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Sunday)

Summer Season:

9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Monday to Thursday and Sunday)

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)

Adults – BGN 4

Children, Students, and Retirees – BGN 2

Family Tickets (up to 5 people) – BGN 3 per person

Organized Groups (more than 10 people) – BGN 3 per person

Bulgarian language – BGN 7

English language – BGN 12

Specialized talk for groups – BGN 9

Check here for more information about opening hours and entrance fees.

Here are some insider tips to help you plan your trip to Asen’s Fortress.

Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with essential information about Asen’s Fortress to make the most of your time there. Don’t miss the chance to learn about its history and architecture.

Join a guided tour for historical insights.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as you explore the Fortress. This is especially important if you plan to walk up the hill, which we recommend for the views of the town.

Carry water and sunscreen, especially in summer.

If you want to maximize your sightseeing, consider packing a lunch to enjoy in the gardens of the fortress. Alternatively, you can explore the local food in Rasnov.

Optimal lighting for photography is in the early morning or late afternoon.

Extend your trip with a visit to the nearby Bachkovo Monastery.

Asen’s Fortress, also known as Asenova Krepost, is an ancient fortress located in Bulgaria. It was built during the 13th century by the Bulgarian ruler Ivan Asen II. Therefore, it is around 800 years old. The fortress was originally constructed for defensive purposes, serving as a stronghold and providing protection for the nearby city of Asenovgrad. It played a significant role in the medieval history of Bulgaria and remains a popular tourist attraction today due to its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Asen’s Fortress is located in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, near the town of Asenovgrad. To visit the fortress, you can travel by car or public transportation to Asenovgrad and then follow signs or ask locals for directions to the fortress. The fortress is open to visitors and there may be an entrance fee to enter. Once inside, you can explore the ruins of the medieval fortress, including its walls, towers, and church. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there may be uneven terrain and stairs to navigate. Additionally, it is advisable to bring water and sunscreen, as there may not be amenities available at the site.

Asen’s Fortress, also known as Asenova Krepost, played a significant role in Bulgarian history. It is located in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria and was built during the medieval period. The fortress served as a strategic stronghold, protecting the surrounding region and providing a vantage point for monitoring and controlling trade routes.

One of the most notable events in Bulgarian history associated with Asen’s Fortress is the uprising led by Ivan Asen II in the late 12th century. Ivan Asen II was a Bulgarian emperor who successfully rebelled against Byzantine rule and established the Second Bulgarian Empire. Asen’s Fortress became an important center for his military operations and helped him secure his position as ruler.

The fortress also witnessed various conflicts and battles throughout its history, including invasions by Mongols and Ottomans. It remained a symbol of Bulgarian resistance and resilience during these turbulent times.

Today, Asen’s Fortress stands as an important historical site and tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich past. It serves as a reminder of the country’s medieval heritage and its significance in shaping Bulgarian identity.