Melnik Fortress (Despot Slav's Fortress)
Мелнишка крепост
The ruins of a medieval fortress and the Church of St. Nicholas on a ridge south of town, with views over Melnik's rooftops and the sandstone cliffs.
In the early 13th century, the Bulgarian despot Alexius Slav made Melnik his capital and built a fortress on the sandstone ridge south of the town. Today only parts of the walls and a water cistern survive, alongside the ruins of the 12th- and 13th-century Church of St. Nicholas. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes on a steep path from the town centre to reach the ridge. Along the way and from the top, you get views over Melnik's white walls and red roof tiles and the surrounding sandstone pyramids, making it one of the best viewpoints in town. Entry is free. Wear non-slip shoes, as the path is mostly loose gravel.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Pasha's House (Melnik History Museum)
- Melnik Wine Museum
- Bolyar House (Byzantine House)
- Melnik Earth Pyramids
- Melnik
- Kordopulov House
- Rozhen Monastery
- Rupite