Samouil's Fortress

The fortress stands on the right bank of the Strumeshnitsa River, featuring preserved dugouts and a lookout tower amid stone walls.

Built during the reign of Tsar Samuel between 997 and 1014, the fortress served as a strategic defense point against Byzantine forces.

The national park-museum displays artifacts and structures that represent Bulgarian military architecture from the First Bulgarian Empire period.

Located 16 kilometers west of Petrich, the site includes a panoramic platform, exhibition hall, and facilities for visitors with disabilities.

In 1014, this fortress witnessed the return of 14,000 Bulgarian soldiers, with 99 out of every 100 blinded by Byzantine Emperor Basil II.

Location: Klyuch

Location: Petrich

Location: Blagoevgrad

Part of: 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria

Website: https://petrichhistorymuseum.bg/%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8/%D0%BD%D0%BF%D0%BC-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%83%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82

GPS coordinates: 41.39525,23.03111

Latest update: May 11, 2025 08:14