Hisar's fortress

Lovech is one of the oldest inhabited places in Bulgaria, which arose on the site of the Thracian settlement Melta and the Roman fortress Presidium. One of its attractions is an ancient fortress located on two terraces of the picturesque hill of Hisar.

In addition to the natural protection that the fortresses give high, steep slopes of the hill and the river flowing below, this place was surrounded by a powerful stone wall. The remains of the fortress walls erected by the ancient Romans are exceptionally well preserved and represent a fine example of Roman architecture. The walls, which are 2,190 m long and in places up to 11 m high, are an open-air museum of Roman and Byzantine culture. The fortress had a rectangular shape, towers were located at the corners of it, and four gates led inside. To this day, the western and southern (main) gates have been preserved. Preserved and Hisarskaya tomb within the fortress wall is a Roman family tomb of the IV century, decorated with mosaics and paintings.

The fortress entered the history of the country in 1187, when the Treaty of Lovech between Byzantium and Bulgaria was signed there, according to which the Bulgarian state gained independence.

Today, in the western part of the fortress, a huge metal cross is installed on the site where the ancient church once stood. The cross is visible from almost all parts of the city and is especially beautiful at sunset when it shines, reflecting sunlight.