Mezdra Fortress, Ancient fortress on rocky ridge in Mezdra, Bulgaria
Mezdra Fortress spreads across multiple levels of a stone ridge overlooking the Iskar River valley, with defensive walls visible from different construction periods. The ruins reveal how successive populations expanded and reinforced the fortification over time.
Settlement at the site began in the 5th millennium BCE, after which Thracian, Roman, and later Bulgarian peoples each added their own fortification layers. Each civilization left its mark through successive building phases at this strategic location.
The location served as a hub for craftsmanship and spiritual practices across many centuries. Visitors walking through can observe how residents organized their workshops and religious spaces within the fortified settlement.
The site is relatively open for visitors, but sturdy footwear is necessary since the terrain is uneven and rocky throughout. The best time to visit is during warmer months when the paths are dry and easier to navigate.
A sacred area within the fortress contains preserved aurochs skulls from ancient times, a rare discovery that shows the unusual spiritual practices of this region. This distinctive religious site offers insight into beliefs that were important to the people living here thousands of years ago.
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