Ustra Fortress

The Ustra Fortress stands atop a rocky hill in the eastern Rhodope Mountains, featuring defensive walls measuring 113 meters in length with three towers.

Built during the tenth century under Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, the fortress alternated between Byzantine and Bulgarian control before Ottoman occupation in the fourteenth century.

Archaeological excavations between 1971 and 1973 uncovered over 1,000 artifacts including iron arrows, bronze crosses, silver items, and copper coins from different periods.

Visitors can reach the fortress through two routes: one from the village of Lebed with an easier climbing path, and another from Ustren with information signs.

The fortress contains remains of eight buildings of various sizes, with stone staircases leading to multiple floors and underground spaces used for storage and water reservoirs.

Location: Kardzhali

GPS coordinates: 41.47013,25.22580

Latest update: March 4, 2025 17:43