Historic Landmark
Sostra Fortress

In the summer of 2012, archaeologists from the National Historical Museum and the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences ( BAS) , together with colleagues from the Museum of Crafts in Troyan, encountering rare find in the ancient road construction . They found the remains of the foundations of the old Roman bridge that crossed the river Osam and is associated with the sanctuary God Rider fortress Sostra . According to scientists, the bridge was seven meters wide and was built with solid wood construction - a special place in the river were excavated more than 30 large pits in the rock on which to bed massive wooden beams.

Other interesting findings in Sostra , which today can be seen in the National History Museum in Sofia , a special bronze mask. It is believed to have been a parade mask senior Roman officer and dating shows her V-IV century BC

But what is Sostra ? This is the Roman military camp, built on the ruins of a Thracian settlement . It is located 12 km north of the town of Troyan and 28 km south of the town of Lovech. Near the castle is the Roman road from Danubios ( Danube river ) to Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv) . Location of Sostra is very strategic . The fortress controlled the foot of the south to the Trojan and has provided visual contact to the only passage to the upper reaches of the river Osam.

Excavations at the fortress began in the early XIX century are revealed two towers, headquarters of the military area, storage for corn , the building of the commanding officer of the military buildings , rooms for accommodation of government couriers and officials, burial place and streets . Restored part of the city walls , the front door , one tower and all the streets in the city's infrastructure . Typical Roman fortified military camp along gradually formed settlement, in which ordinary people lived . They have acted as they took care of the maintenance of the camp , the soldiers' living and production of weapons. Going down the fort Sostra comes at the end of the V century . It was destroyed by the Huns . It was not until late Middle Ages and Renaissance life in the area again emerging.

• Fortress