Momina Kula Fortress

Momina Kula Fortress stands on the Pirin side of the Mesta River valley, in one of the most picturesque sections of Momina Gorge, on the river's western bank northwest of Bukovo, between Mesta and Gospodintsi. It is thought to have been built in the second–third century, subsequently left inactive and restored in the twelfth century. Its name derives from a tradition that Tsar Ivan Shishman's sister Mara built it after being exiled to the area.

Tsar Ivan Shishman gave his sister Mara, or Kera Tamara, in marriage to the Turkish sultan Murad I, hoping that this family alliance would prevent a Turkish invasion. According to tradition, after ten years in the sultan's harem, Mara refused to change her faith and forget her roots, and was therefore exiled to distant Bulgarian lands, in present-day Macedonian regions.

The fortress is an archaeological monument of national significance, covering approximately 500 square metres. Its western wall survives to eight metres high and contains the only entrance. East of this section are the remains of a rectangular tower. Two rock formations lie to the south, and in the rocks below the fortress a cave contains remains indicating a prehistoric settlement. The cave entrances are walled up and access is impossible.

The fortress is approached from the south, where parking is possible. The path passes through a yard and follows a dirt track towards the western side of the fortress. The ascent along the path takes approximately half an hour.