Fortress of Ivan Asen II

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The fortress is situated on large cliff hanging over the left bank of the Asenitsa River, 3 kilometers south of Asenovgrad. The original stronghold on this site was build by the Thracians in 5th - 4th c.B.C and quickly attained strategic significance. Under the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II, the existing stronghold was expanded into Fortress with its own military forces and administration. The fortress was conquered by the Byzantines under his heirs, but in 1344 under Tsar Ivan Aleksandar the Bulgarians regained it. During the Ottoman invasion in 14th century it was almost completely destroyed.

The excavation work revealed remains of the fortress walls, the castle of the feudal lord and three water reservoirs. The only preserved and most remarkable building in the fortress is a 13th - century church called St Mary (Sveta Maria). It is for the exquisite architecture, plastic decoration of the south facade and fragments of the unique 14th - century murals that the church is said to be one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Bulgaria. After the restoration work was completed in 1991, it is now an active Orthodox church.

Hotels

	Hotel Dvata Bryasta Asenovgrad • Price per person: 12.5 - 20 EUR	view profile
	Hotel Color Asenovgrad • Price per person: 7.5 - 17.5 EUR	view profile
	Complex Avalon Asenovgrad • Price per person: 6.25 - 12.5 EUR	view profile
	Hotel Ogi Asenovgrad • Price per person: 12.5 - 22.5 EUR	view profile
	Vacation complex Diana Asenovgrad	view profile
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