Ustra Fortress

Ustra is a medieval fortress in the Rhodope Mountains. It rises on the Ustrenski hill in the West Rhodope Mountains, at the foot of Ustren peak (1,015 m). The fortress was built in the Middle Ages and was mainly under Byzantine Empire’s reign. According to the researchers the fortress was constructed in 10th century to protect the road passing by. That is why it was situated in the highest part of the steep hill to provide good visibility at long distance. The fortress spreads on 1,286 sq.m. The entire fortified wall is 113 m long, and the preserved walls are up to 10 m high. The archeologists found here the remains of residential premises, water collection basins and food warehouses. The ruins of a Thracian stronghold lie near. It had the same name – Ustra. Its walls now reach up to 2 m. Probably it was constructed in 12-10th century BC. Two Thracian dome tombs are located nearby, in the valley of a small river. Historians believe that the Thracian tribe Odrysians had its capital here.