Drastar, Medieval fortress in Silistra, Bulgaria.
Drastar is a medieval fortress situated along the southern bank of the Danube River with substantial stone walls and defensive towers built during multiple periods. The ruins cover a significant area where structures from ancient Roman times and the Bulgarian medieval era stand side by side.
The fortress was originally founded as Durostorum by the Romans and later became Drastar during the First Bulgarian Empire. Its transformation reflects centuries of strategic importance along the Danube as a military stronghold under different rulers.
The fortress held a Patriarchal Cathedral whose ruins still stand today, reflecting its role as a religious hub during the Bulgarian medieval period. This sacred presence shaped daily life and gave the stronghold spiritual importance beyond its military function.
The ruins can be accessed from Kapitan Mamarchev Street in Silistra, with the nearby Historical Museum offering additional context about the site. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is uneven and spread out, requiring time to explore the different sections properly.
The fortress preserves an advanced Roman underfloor heating system that demonstrates the engineering prowess of ancient builders in this Danube region. This hidden heating infrastructure reveals technological achievements that were uncommon in such remote frontier locations.
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