Historic Landmark
Rahovets Fortress

Ruthless is the fate for the fortress Rahovets . In 1444 the troops of Vladislav III of Varna during his march against the Ottoman Empire destroyed the fortress. But it turns catastrophic earthquake in 1913, with an epicenter Upper Oriahovitsa. Were demolished walls , towers and gates . Fortunately, three years earlier discoverer of the first Bulgarian capital Karel Shkorpil, have the opportunity to explore the castle. It describes exactly what it represented . According Shkorpil Rahovets or " Calais Cave " played an important role in the history of the Bulgarian state. He describes the north wall , which is 365 feet long , the main gate , the northern gate tower in the central part of the fortress wall . According to the archaeologists, there was an underground vaulted over time . Tradition of the local people is to say that it brings up old Tarnovo. According to another legend, even in Rahovets is " Bulgarian Tarapoto ', ie where Bulgarian kings are cuttted down money. Proof of the latter are numerous pits excavated in the castle and surrounding her

Rise in the history of the castle comes after the uprising of Asen and Peter . Then Turnovo became capital of the Bulgarian state. Located only 10 kilometers from her Rahova fortress as early as it is called, became a central fortress in the northern defensive ring guarding the capital of the most critical direction - Danube limes .

As to the origin of the name of the fort , there are various theories. We will mention only a few. According to Karel Shkorpil doubt it comes from " Oryahovets " - the old name of placements only 3-4 km from the fortress town of Gorna Oryahovitsa. Other scholars point out that the name is derived from the " nut " . Traditional practice of Slavs was to name their cities in names of plants . A third theory states that Rahovets derives from the Persian word " pax ", which means a road highway .

Have you road to the castle Rahovets not save time to view and other scenic attractions in the area of Upper Oriahovitsa. Visit Nicopolis Istrum , one of the largest cities in Moesia , built by Emperor Trajan. Worthy of a visit are still protected area " Bozhur meadow " hut Bozhur , ecotrail " Stone ", eco-trail in the village of Pravda , Neolithic settlement in the "Cherven Bryag", the fortress " Kale " .

• Fortress