Today, only ruins remain; the fortress has not been developed or made accessible for tourism. Locally, it is also known as Balak Dere. It is located in a remarkable setting and has an interesting history. It was built around the 4th century and was actively used until the arrival of the Ottoman Empire. It played an important role during the Crusades and was located close to the trade route from Edirne to the Rhodopes. The Arda River was navigable at the time, and it is believed that there was a port nearby.
Visiting Information
Additional Information
Although it is closest to the village of Huhla on the map, the approach is from the northern outskirts of Ivaylovgrad. The fortress is difficult to access and takes about an hour and a half on foot to reach. A landmark for orientation is the hill with the chapel, which you need to skirt from the east, after which you continue north. Only a few walls remain of the fortress, and it is an attractive site from a tourism perspective.