The Second Asen's Fortress

The Second Asen's Fortress, near Klokotnitsa village five kilometres from Haskovo, is a little-known site with a rich history. Here, on 9 March 1230, Tsar Ivan Asen II won an important victory over the forces of the Byzantine emperor Theodore Komnenos. The battle was crucial for Bulgaria, opening the way to three seas: the Black, Aegean and Adriatic.
The fortress itself stands on a hill 387 metres high, precisely at the confluence of two river tributaries, a place considered the battlefield. Although almost nothing remains, its medieval walls clearly proclaim its historical significance. In this context the site possesses a unique beauty, and the ecological trail leading to the fortress has two shelters and fountains. This makes it both an important archaeological site and a wonderful place for a walk, where history and nature meet.