{"id":14264,"date":"2022-07-10T09:32:08","date_gmt":"2022-07-10T09:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/bgdv_listing\/asens-fortress\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:20:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T19:20:30","slug":"asens-fortress","status":"publish","type":"bgdv_listing","link":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/asens-fortress\/","title":{"rendered":"Asen\u2019s Fortress and Tsar Ivan Asen II"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2><strong>Episode BG18. Asen\u2019s Fortress and Tsar Ivan Asen II<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Hello, Bulgaria! \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddec<\/p>\n<p>Asen&#8217;s Fortress is a medieval fortification &#8220;perched&#8221; on the rocks above Asenovgrad, which inspires respect and admiration from the first glance. Strategically located above the Asenitsa River, it not only guards the pass to the Rhodope Mountains, but also bears the imprint of Tsar Ivan Asen II &#8211; one of the most powerful rulers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The place impresses with the harmony between the natural landscape and the architectural power, and the preserved church &#8220;St. Mary of Petrichka&#8221; gives the fortress an almost sacral value.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs style_default switch_click accordion type_togglable has_scrolling\" style=\"--sections-title-size:inherit\"><div class=\"w-tabs-sections titles-align_none icon_chevron cpos_right\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section new_tab_links\" id=\"tc8e\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-tc8e\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">\ud83d\udea9 Timecode for quick access to video moments<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-tc8e\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer\ud83d\udc46<br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wi76rD7WPvc\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">0:00<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Intro Channel trailer <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wi76rD7WPvc&amp;t=20s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">0:20<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Series Intro<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wi76rD7WPvc&amp;t=72s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">1:12<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Location Information<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wi76rD7WPvc&amp;t=185s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">3:05<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Medieval Times<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wi76rD7WPvc&amp;t=256s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">4:16<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Fortress Strategy<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wi76rD7WPvc&amp;t=299s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">4:59<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Final Thoughts<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section new_tab_links\" id=\"hd48\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-hd48\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">\ud83d\udc49 Links and references to other videos:<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-hd48\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>\ud83d\udca1 Other interesting places nearby:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/bgdv_listing\/karadjov-stone\/\">BG44. Karadzov Kamak and the PORTAL to the \u201cWorld of the Dead\u201d!<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/bgdv_listing\/krastova-gora\/\">BG45. Krastova Gora, Krastov Peak and the \u201cWorld of the Gods\u201d!<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/bgdv_listing\/belintash-cosmos\/\">BG46. Belintash \u2013 The Connection to the COSMOS and the \u201cWorld of the Living\u201d!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 References to other episodes:<br \/>\nNone<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_small\" id=\"summary\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\ud83d\udccc What will we look at in this article?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><a href=\"#summary\">\ud83d\udcdd Episode Summary<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#highlights\">\ud83d\udd25 The most interesting moments<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#location-rating\">\u2b50 Location assessment\u200b<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#final-conclusion\">\u2705 Final conclusion<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\" id=\"summary\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\ud83d\udcdd Brief summary of the episode<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"545\" data-end=\"936\">The fortress was built on foundations from the late antiquity, but reached its heyday in the 13th century. The most significant element is the inscription carved into the rock in 1231, which personally mentions Tsar Ivan Asen II. This inscription not only lends legitimacy to the site, but also makes it a rare historical document. Today, the site is a cultural property of national importance, restored and open to visitors who can walk along the fortified walls, enter the temple and enjoy panoramic views of the Plovdiv field.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">\u041e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u043d\u043e \u043a\u044a\u043c \u0441\u0442\u0430\u0442\u0438\u044f\u0442\u0430<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_small\" id=\"highlights\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\ud83d\udd25 What will you see in this episode?<\/h2>\n<p>Overhanging the Asenitsa River, the Asen Fortress stands out with its monumental presence. The thick stone walls, the outline of the inner tower and the buildings at its foot are clearly distinguishable from above. Most noticeable is the Church of St. Mary of Petrichka &#8211; with its restored roof and preserved facade, which towers against the steep cliffs. Aerial shots show how the area around the fortress naturally protects it &#8211; with steep slopes to the west and a narrow, clearly traceable path leading from the southwest. Also visible are the parkland and accessible parking at the foot, as well as the panoramic landscape of the Rhodope Mountains and Plovdiv Field in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>In episode BG18 we look at the Asen Fortress &#8211; located in the Rhodope Mountains, just 2 km from Asenovgrad, on a cliff that controls the entrance to the Belomorsky Pass. It is mentioned that parking is limited and access is possible on foot. We trace the history of the fortress from the time of the Thracians, through the Byzantine fortification and its heyday under Tsar Ivan Asen II, who reconstructed it in 1231. Archaeological data is given, including coins from the 9th century and the structure of the fortification &#8211; with an inner tower, water reservoirs, a chapel, residential buildings and 2.9-metre thick walls. It is pointed out that access is only possible from the south-west, and the terrain to the west is completely inaccessible. The importance of the fortress for protection and surveillance is also commented on, as well as the restoration work that began in 1970.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">\u041e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u043d\u043e \u043a\u044a\u043c \u0441\u0442\u0430\u0442\u0438\u044f\u0442\u0430<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\" id=\"location-rating\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\u2b50 Location assessment<\/h2>\n<p>The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1\/5 &#8211; Very bad, 2\/5 &#8211; Bad, 3\/5 &#8211; Average, 4\/5 &#8211; Good, 5\/5 &#8211; Excellent)<\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION 3 BUTTONS TOP --><\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 14px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f8f8f8;\">\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left; width: 10%;\">Criterion<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Personal impression<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left; width: 15%;\">Rating<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Accessibility<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\ude97<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">You can drive almost to the entrance, but parking spaces are limited, especially on weekends or during the summer season.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">\u2606<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>History<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">A unique place with a carved inscription by Tsar Ivan Asen II &#8211; an authentic testimony from 1231 and a strong symbol of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Condition<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">The fortress has been restored, maintained and secured. The Church of St. It is in excellent condition and open to visitors.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Conveniences<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udebb<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Eco-toilets and a ticket office have been installed, but there are no restaurants, shade or recreation areas near the entrance.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">\u2606\u2606\u2606<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Price<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">The fee of BGN 4 is fully justified for access to a monument of national importance, in excellent condition and with spectacular views.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 15px; padding: 12px; background-color: #f3f3f3; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\"><span><strong>Overall rating:<\/strong> 4.2<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><span style=\"position: relative; display: inline-block;\"><span style=\"position: absolute; left: 0; width: 20%; overflow: hidden; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u2606<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">\u041e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u043d\u043e \u043a\u044a\u043c \u0442\u043e\u0447\u043a\u0438\u0442\u0435<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_small\" id=\"final-conclusion\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\u2705 Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"2175\">Asenovo Fortress is one of the few places in Bulgaria where history is literally carved into the rock. Easily accessible by car and well maintained, it is the perfect combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The site offers parking, information signs and a peaceful walk without the need for a serious physical hike. The ticket price is nominal, but the value of the experience remains long after we leave. If you&#8217;re looking for a place with character, historical depth and easy logistics &#8211; Assen Fortress will not disappoint.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you like the content we share, don&#8217;t forget to subscribe to the channel and support the project &#8220;Bulgaria one click away!&#8221;. Thanks to everyone who shares and spreads the beauty of our homeland!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Back to article<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Episode BG18 The Asen Fortress is a stone watchtower towering over the valley near Asenovgrad &#8211; history, power and memory in one. Are you ready to meet one of the most sacred fortresses in Bulgarian medieval times?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13662,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14264","bgdv_listing","type-bgdv_listing","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bgdv_listing\/14264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bgdv_listing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bgdv_listing"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}