Byalgrad Fortress

Byalgrad is a fortress, which lies in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains. The stronghold is situated some 2 km away from the village of Gugutka. Byalgrad is one of the most preserved fortresses in Bulgaria. The fortified walls reach 8 m and are 2 m thick in their base. The researches dated the Byalgrad fortress to the end of 12th century. The donjon (the fortified main tower of the fortress) is best preserved in Byalgrad, and the walls there are 8 m high. The archeologists consider that the unusual good shape of the donjon is due to the fact that during the Ottoman yoke the tower was repaired. The name of the fortress comes from the white color of the limestone used in the construction of the stronghold (“byal” means white, “grad” means town). The bases of a basilica were found in the east part of the fortress.