Markeli, Medieval fortress in Karnobat, Bulgaria.
Markeli is a medieval fortress on Hissar hill near the Mochuritsa River, featuring stone walls reinforced with brick construction across its layout. The remains reveal a complex structure of defensive and residential areas from different periods.
The fortress changed hands between Byzantine and Bulgarian forces during key regional conflicts. These shifts reflect the larger political upheavals that shaped the Balkan Peninsula over several centuries.
The site served as a religious center across centuries, hosting multiple churches that reflect different faith communities. These structures show how people of various origins coexisted at this strategic location and practiced their beliefs.
The site sits on a hill, so some physical preparation helps when exploring its remains. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be ready for uneven ground and exposed stonework.
Excavations uncovered bronze coins spanning over 600 years, ceramic fragments, and medieval seals that point to a thriving and prosperous center. These finds show the location was an important trading and administrative hub for an extended period.
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