In the area of the village of Mezek you will also find the best preserved medieval fortress in the Eastern Rhodopes. It is assumed that it was built at the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century, during the reign of Alexey I Comnenus. You’ll be amazed at how impressive this building is, built of quarry stone and cemented together with mortar. It performed the functions of a castle and for the permanent residence of military units. Nine towers were erected for protection, five of which were on the southern, more vulnerable side.
Unfortunately, in 1900, many stones were taken from its walls for the construction of the Turkish barracks in Svilengrad. Today it has been restored and declared a historical monument of national importance.
And in Haskovo itself, in 2003, on the Yamacha hill, the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child was erected with respect and love, which became one of the symbols of the city. The 14-meter-high statue together with the 17-meter-high foundation was also entered in the Guinness Book of World Records, and September 8 was declared the day of the city.
Work time:
Summer opening hours: from 09:30 to 18:00.
Winter opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00.
Entrance fees:
Non-combined tickets: ADULTS – BGN 5.
PUPILS AND STUDENTS – BGN 3.
PENSIONERS – BGN 3.
Combined tomb and fortress tickets:
ADULTS – BGN 8.
PUPILS AND STUDENTS – BGN 5.
PENSIONERS – BGN 5.
Contacts:
Historical Museum
Address: Svilengrad, 150 Bulgaria Blvd
Tel: +359 379 71097
