Fortress Tsari Mali Grad

Tsari Mali Grad is a Roman fortress and a fortified settlement from the 4th century AD.It is built on top of a hill, known as Sveti Spas (St Spas) mount, which carries the ancient history, myths and legends of the area. It is believed that the mount was a part of a bigger settlement known as Tsari Mali Grad 'little tsar's/king's town' though some enthusiasts go even further and interpret the name as 'little Tsarigrad', that is Constantinople. It is said that only a couple of centuries ago the remains of white walls and towers could still be seen and reminded people of the beautiful Constantinople. The archeological dig in the area produced a number of interesting findings. It was proved that the ancient Roman fortress had later expanded into a busy fortified settlement with a big religious complex.

The area is popular among the locals with its spiritual and religious powers and traditions. For centuries it has been used for worship and various sacral rites and observances have taken place here. The remains of ancient Thracian shrines and sanctuaries and early and medieval Christian missions and temples were found here. Some of the latter were literally built on top of one another. Basilicas transformed into churches, chapels became church naves. It is said that the local population used to come here for religious celebrations for as long as the 1970s. There used to be a big stone cross under the trees and people would gather here on St. Spas' day, that is Ascension Day, to praise God and indulge in kurban (a communal meal, part of a Christianized animal sacrifice).

Nowadays we can see restored and conserved parts of the fortress, mainly the towers, as well as part of the wall and the main gate.

The medieval church of XVI century "St. Petka" is the first landmark that the visitors see. They are touching also the restored fortress from IV-VI, which has seven different exposures.

Beyond them it lies a theme park with a 100-foot rope suspension bridge connects the castle with Park. There are built 13 facilities for the kids - swings, slides, monkey bars. There also placed wooden sculptures of ancient themes. This area can be reached through two eco-trails, as well as through the rope bridge.