Fodor's Expert Review Belogradchik Fortress

Parts of this well-preserved stronghold on the north slope of the Balkan date all the way back to when this area was part of the Roman Empire. The fortress was expanded first in the mid 14th century, when it served more for surveillance than defense, and then in the late 14th century when it was captured by the Ottomans. Its walls stand 39 feet (12 m) and, at the foundation, are more than 6 feet thick (2 m). The fortress lies at the foot of the Belogradchik Rocks, which served as further protection. Kids can run around here to their hearts' content, playing Battle of the Empires, Ottoman vs. Bulgarian.