Historic Landmark
Lovech Medieval Fortress

The picturesque hill Hisar in the old town of Lovech rises one of the last Bulgarian fortification , fell under Ottoman rule . According to some legends - even the last one. Legend tells of the unfortunate fate of one of the most important cities during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. After a three-month siege , the Turkish leader Ibrahim Koja uses cunning to defeat Bulgarian soldiers. He collected about 100 rams, put on their horns lit candles and placed herd nearby hill to the castle. Volunteers err , God provizhdayki sign and open the gates of the fortress. From that night on the hill had the name "Red Forest" perpetuates what happened - he started named " Strate " translated from Turkish - 'yellow fire. " According to legend, the last defender of Lovech fortress escaped and became the first rebel .

Today, the castle enjoys an annual tourist attraction . Thanks to the night lighting , the historic citadel is available to visit throughout the day .

It is important to know that Lovech Fortress is part of the architectural reserve "Varosha" . Historical record of it is from the Copper Age . That's when the area was inhabited . During archaeological excavations parts of dwellings of stone and clay and numerous fragments of Thracian ceramics . Among them is the Rhodope amphora handle with stamp , which is the month, when the wine was poured - in April . They all testify to the former Thracian settlement in what is bubbling active life.

One of the most important events in Bulgarian history happens in Lovech fortress . In 1187 there was signed the peace treaty between Bulgaria and Byzantium , which recognizes the recovery Bulgarian state. In 1331, the castle was again chosen by the despot Ivan Alexander of residence.

Although Lovech fortress to being conquered and destroyed by the Turks in 1446, the area around it are given privileges - are not allowed in the city to live Turks, hence not taking children to the janissary corps and local authorities are entitled to take duty on goods passing through town .

Nowadays, the castle was restored , and in the western part of the site of the old bishop's church was built a huge metal cross . From this site you can see almost the entire city of Lovech.

• Fortress