Ovech Fortress

Provadia, Bulgaria

Ovech Fortress is a stone stronghold located east of the town of Provadia. Archaeological research established that the fortress was used in periods from the 3rd century to the first decades of the 7th century, and then from the 10th-11th centuries until the end of the 17th century. It was inhabited successively by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Turks. It is related to the reign of Tsar Ivaylo (1277 – 1280), the crusade of Amadeus IV, Count of Savoy (1366), and the crusade of Vladislav Varnenchik (1444). 

The fortress has three entrances. The eastern access way has been preserved in its original form with stairs carved into the rock. It is convenient for visitors who have their own means of transportation. The western entrance is accessible from the town through the original 111-step spiral staircase. The northern entrance is the main entrance of the fortress. A 150 m-long bridge structure is built in front of it connecting the stronghold with the adjacent Tabiite PlateauThe golden years of Ovech were in the period 12th–14th century when the fortress was a military, religious, economic, and administrative centre of the region.

At the Ovech Fortress, visitors can also see the talking 79 m-deep well, the bishop’s church, the knight’s prison, the tower with the devil’s path, and the Friars’ holes. It is open all year round. A guide assigned by the Museum of History of Provadia is available. Information materials and souvenirs are sold on site.

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Address

Provadia, Bulgaria
See all sites in Provadia

Details

Founded: 10th century AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Bulgaria

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

N (2 years ago)
Cheap entry, nice walk.
Javor Kolev (2 years ago)
This could be a major tourist attraction, but is mismanaged. If you just happen to drive by Provadia, and visit Ovech, you will like it. However, if you drive to Provadia with the main purpose to see Ovech and learn some history - as we did - you will be disappointed. Information on place is very scarce, marking is terrible! We tried to hike to rock monastery Shashkanite, as one sign suggested. After an hour under the hot sun, we turned back. I am posting a picture, which says marking is made and financed by Rotary Club Provadia and municipality Provadia. Well, both should be ashamed of mismanaging this interesting place. The only tourist infrastructure which is modern, and cost more that $10, is the ticket office.
Joe (2 years ago)
Interesting place which you can visit for free during the non working days (Monday and Tuesday). Definitely worth seeing.
Oleg Dudar (2 years ago)
Nice place to visit. It’s a bit windy on the top, so be prepared. There’s a small parking near the main road, also you could park just near the entrance. Tickets price: Adults- 4 lv Kinds - 2 lv
Darin Krumov (4 years ago)
Indeed a magnificent place. 360 views are stunning. The fortress itself is not especially well-preserved, however there is a nice path around the place to take a walk and take in the views. Keep in mind there are no fences around the cliff, so be very careful with little kids and pets.
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