Historic Landmark
Trayanovi vrata Fortress

At the opening of the fortress Trayanovi vrata in 1985-1986 , the first thing the researchers noted , is that it is more than impressive. With its size facility feared and reverence . The fortress was naturally protected from the surrounding forest and river . Built on a hill , the only way open for the enemy is from the northwest - there are, however, raised two spiers . Trayanovi vrata sizes are huge - 40 meters wide and 90 meters long . No analogue in Bulgaria . Her towers are unique not only for the country but for the whole Balkan Peninsula.

Getting information about Shtipon , as it is called castle there from around the III century AD and Then the Romans defended their lands from the barbarians . After the division of the Roman Empire into two parts , the fortress falls within the Byzantine Empire, which in the years leading mnogokratki battles with the Slavs . So while on the throne of the Bulgarian State sits prince Malamir . He joined the region to become a century later a key role in the victory over the Bulgarians . We are talking about the famous battle of Trayan - 17 August 986 biggest defeat of Basil II Bulgars in his attempt to conquer the Bulgarian lands. The Emperor took a 30 000- Army to Bulgaria for 20 days unsuccessfully besieged Sredets, but food supplies to the soldiers of his cum . Meanwhile garrisons besieged city managed to go unnoticed by the walls and burnt the battering ram of the Byzantines . After what happened and given the approaching army of Samuel, Basil II decided to retreat. On the way back , Bulgarians ambush in Ihtiman passage at the fortress trajn . Defeat is large. Byzantine cavalry were destroyed and much of the infantry. Emperor only saves lives and avoids , but imperial insignia remain in the hands of the brave Bulgarian soldiers. After a well-deserved victory, Bulgarian army continued the winning move. Alas, to the Battle of the River Sperhey , a decade later. According to Professor Peter Mutafchiev battle on Trayan vrata only deferral end of the First Bulgarian Empire .

If you want to get to the historical area and to bring in the reign of Tsar Samuil , the quickest way is the highway - 64 km from Sofia and 72 km from Plovdiv . Convenient way from Kostenec or Ichtiman to Mirovo station and then to pass it will take just over an hour along a marked route .

• Fortress