Hisarlaka Fortress

The Hisarlaka fortress is situated some 30 minutes away from the center of the town of Kyustendil (Western Bulgaria) and lies on the highest flat of the Hisarlaka hill. The hill is a northeastern offshoot of the Osogovska Mountain. Once the Romans built here the acropolis of the ancient town of Pautalia. The fortress itself was built at the end of 4th – the beginning of 5th century, and was reconstructed in 6th century. The fortress existed during the First and the Second Bulgarian State, but was destroyed by the Ottomans in 15th century. It had the shape of irregular polygon 230 m long and 125 m wide. The most important and widest gate was located at the eastern wall, near the main road. The fortified wall, depending on the terrain, had different width – from 1.60 to 3 m. The walls are supposed to have been 10 m high, and the towers – 12 m. The Hisarlaka fortress is one of the most significant in Bulgaria and is a monument of culture of national importance.