Asen's Fortress
Асенова крепост
A medieval fortress ruin on a cliff top, with a well-preserved 12th-century Church of the Virgin Mary and views over the Asenitsa River valley.
Asen’s Fortress stands on a steep rocky ridge about 3 kilometers south of Asenovgrad. The site dates back to the Thracian era and was reinforced in the 13th century by Tsar Ivan Asen II, which gave it its name. Most of the fortress is now in ruins, but the 12th- to 13th-century Church of the Virgin Mary is well preserved and retains some surviving frescoes. The figure set against the cliff backdrop is a classic view of the Rhodope Mountains. It is a few minutes’ walk from the parking area, and tickets cost a few euros. About 25 kilometers from Plovdiv, it is usually visited together with Bachkovo Monastery.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Bachkovo Monastery
- Small Basilica of Philippopolis
- Roman Forum & Odeon of Philippopolis
- Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis
- Trakart Cultural Centre
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Plovdiv Main Street (Knyaz Alexander I)
- Church of Sts. Constantine and Helena