Back in the centuries with the medieval fortress town of Cherven
Back in the centuries with the medieval fortress town of Cherven
Cherven is one of the most important church and cultural centers during the Second Bulgarian State (12-14 century). Existing in the 6th century, this fortress city was fortified and upgraded during the First Bulgarian State (10-11th century). In the following centuries the uprising of the fortress city alternated. In the 12th century Byzantium conquered the fortress, and then in 1230 a large earthquake destroyed and burned big parts of the fortress. In 1235 The Cherven diocese (the second largest after the Tarnovo diocese) was established in the fortress and the town began to prosper with a population of 10,000. In the last years before the fall of the Ottomans, the city was extremely well developed. There were many craftsmen in the processing of iron, gold, as well as builders, artists and others. 13 churches were built - 2 metropolitan and other parish, residential and public buildings, workshops, as well as two underground water supply tunnels. In 1388 the fortress city was conquered and burned by the Ottoman Empire. According to legend, some of the city's inhabitants fled and settled in the area of today's city of Ruse.
Cherven was declared a National Archaeological Reserve in 1965. The finds from the fortress town include several coin treasures, jewelry, ceramic vessels, handicraft tools, household items and more. They are stored in the Regional Historical Museum in Ruse, as well as in the National Historical Museum in Sofia and the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia. The study of the fortress began in 1910/1911. by archaeologist Professor Vasil Zlatarski and continues up to now.
How to get to the fortress?
Cherven is located about 35 km south of Ruse (about 300 km from Sofia and 230 km from Bourgas). If you travel by car, the travel time is about half an hour and it is very convenient to stop directly in front of the fortress in a large parking lot.An alternative way is to travel by bus from Ruse. At the moment there are 2 buses from Ruse to Cherven (at 6:50 and 15:00) and back (08:30 and 16:20). You can check the bus station schedule to make sure.
What does the fortress-city consists of?
Cherven consisted of two parts - a real city and a citadel. The outer city occupied the foot of the rocky hill, and the Citadel was guarded by a high fortress wall with battle towers. In the higher part there was a boyar's palace, residential buildings of nobles and churches. One of the outer defensive towers, which helped restore the Baldwin Tower in Tsarevets, is extremely well preserved, and its image in the Game of Thrones series has also been used.
During your visit you will be able to see the Citadel, which is located on the hill. The streets of the city can be clearly seen, as well as a large number of discovered buildings and churches. The fortress walls and part of the towers are very clearly visible. Don't forget to take pictures of the best-preserved tower at the end of the inner city. Next to it there is also a large gate, where the western entrance to the fortress was located. There was a drawbridge that connected the outer city to the Citadel.
How long does it take?
I would spend at least 2 hours walking around the fortress. Of course, each of us has a different pace of walking and exploring, but the fortress is quite large and has many interesting views. Personally, I like to make a looser schedule with scrambling places to visit and visit as much as I can before dark.
Is it steep? Are there scary areas?
The climb from the parking lot to the fortress is steep. You walk up well-made stairs with a railing and it's tiring, but definitely not scary. According to the information I found, there are 235 steps carved into the rocks.The fortress itself is on the plateau, but the path goes through the middle and does not approach the edge. Don't worry about walking there even if you are afraid of heights.
Can i take my dog?
Oh yes! The fortress is very wide and has grass to keep your pet happy from the walk.(And from time to time there are drones to chase)
The photo is by Ivan Delibaltov.
Is there a convenient picnic spot nearby?
During the walk you can sit on the rocks and eat if you are not very comfortable. Otherwise, right in the parking lot under the fortress there is a restaurant where you can sit and order food.
How can I show my friends that I am familiar with the fortress?
In addition to the information in this article, you can stand out with the correct pronunciation. The Cherven is read with an emphasis on the first "e". In Bulgarian the word "red" is written in the same way, but it is pronounced with an emphasis on the second "e" instead.What's interesting nearby?
I would recommend you to visit nearby:- Basarbovo Rock Monastery - the only active rock monastery in our country. It is located in a very pleasant area along the river. It can be reached by car, and it is pleasant for a walk.
- Orlova Cave Chuka near the village of Pepelina - a very beautiful and interesting cave, but what impressed me the most was the presentation of the guide Ilia Iliev. Totally worth to visit!
The photo from Basarbovski Monastery and the one from "Orlova Chuka" are by Ivan Delibaltov.
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