Asen's Fortress

The church on the rock

Asen's Fortress (Asenova krepost) is one of the most photogenic sights in southern Bulgaria: a medieval stronghold perched on a rocky ridge above the gorge of the Asenitsa River, near the town of Asenovgrad on the edge of the Rhodope Mountains. The spot has been fortified since antiquity thanks to its strategic position controlling the route from the Thracian plain into the mountains, and the form we see today is associated with the 13th-century Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Asen II.

What you'll see

The undisputed star is the Church of the Holy Mother of God of Petrich, a remarkably well-preserved medieval tower-church built right at the cliff's edge. Its silhouette against the rock and forest is the classic image of the site. Inside, traces of old frescoes can still be made out. Around it survive remnants of the defensive walls and other buildings of the fortress. The views over the valley and wooded hills are superb, especially in autumn.

Practical notes

The fortress lies a few kilometres from Asenovgrad, a town easily reached from Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria's major cities. You arrive by road, followed by a short walk uphill to the church. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is rocky. Clear weather is best for the panorama; in autumn the forest colours are spectacular. It pairs naturally with a visit to nearby Bachkovo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Bulgaria.