Cerven FortressIts ruins are located in Ianovo commune, Cerven (Cherven) village, Ruse region, Bulgaria. From Ruse follow the European E85 (aka the Bulgarian DN5) and then the DJ 501. Distance 37 km, estimated driving time 40 minutes. There are signs both on the main road and in the town. However as you approach the town, you can see the ruins of the fortress on the opposite hill. From Bucharest it is 111 km, which takes 2 hours.
Thracian tribes have inhabited the region since ancient times. In the 6th century there was a Byzantine fortress here. In its place was built in the 12th-14th centuries an important city of the Bulgarian Tsarate, Chervenmilitary, cultural and religious center. In 1253, the Bulgarian Orthodox archdiocese moved to Cerven. Here flows the Cherni Lom river, which cuts a gorge that could not be guessed from a distance of four kilometers. Cerven Fortress is an archaeological reserve.
On the top of one of the slopes of the gorge there was this fortified fortress, which included 18 churches, a feudal palace, two underground tunnels, ordinary houses, streets, workshops. One of the towers of the fortress (14th century) has survived in very good condition.
We park at the base of the deep keys carved into the rock, where the road leads us and where there is a ticket office. Explanatory signs introduce us to the subject. We learn that we are in Rusenski Lom Nature Park. It is organized in the sector of the river Cherni Lom. A first sketch of the fortress is shown in the map in the picture.
Rusenski Lom Nature Park
map of medieval Cerven
We climb about 200 stairs, which take us in a few minutes from the base of the impressive cliffs to the fortress wall. Don't be scared by their number, it's not that hard to climb up to the fortress. When we arrive at the entrance of the citadel, a big board shows us the sights to visit: the fortress wall, the west gate, the bishop's residence, the many churches, the west wall, the castle, the tower, the water supply, the workshop, the administration, others. But first we admire the village in the valley.
this is the way up
excavated rock
up the stairs to the citadel
The east wall is still in good condition. We notice the site of a former church, clearly outlined. On the walls and stone ruins move many lizards. We reach the north wall and another church.
Eastern Wall
location of a church
northern wall
church
Several old roads intersect on the plateau. To the left we look towards the residential and commercial area. Through the leaves of the trees we can hardly see the river in the valley, but the landscape of the gorges carved in millenary rocks is obvious.
crossroads
overview
the gorges dug by the river Cerven
on set
The largest of the churches is number 2, partially covered for protection. The fortress tower played a strategic role in its time. The feudal castle was spread over 2,000 square meters.
church no. 2
Citadel Tower
We visit the marked landmarks of the fortress ruins then return the way we came. There is another alternative descent, but not as well planned.
stairs
fortress walls
During your visit to Cerven Fortress I didn't mix with any other tourist, when we were leaving, another car showed up with people who had come to visit the old fortress of Cherven. It is a secondary tourist attraction.
All the best!
Steps:
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