# Castra ad Montanesium castrum

- **Country:** Bulgaria
- **Notes:** Montanesium is a Roman castrum founded in the 1st century AD, situated in the town of Montana. The fortress was constructed in the first century AD to give a defensive buff to the Roman town.

Castra ad Montanesium is a ruined Roman fortress located in the town of Montana, Bulgaria. The fortress was built in the 1st or 2nd century AD as the town grew in importance as a Roman settlement. It is situated on Kaleto Hill, near the Ogosta Dam, and features a mix of Roman architectural styles.

The fortress has a significant history, having been constructed to provide defensive capabilities to the Roman town of Montanesium. During the reign of Constantine the Great, an early Christian basilica was built adjacent to the complex. However, the fortress was later destroyed by attacks from the Huns, Goths, Slavs, and Avars between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. In recent years, restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve the site, including the restoration of parts of the basilica and fortress.

The Castra ad Montanesium fortress is a central part of Montana's history, culture, and tourism, and is featured on the town's coat of arms. The site is still being investigated and can be visited, offering a glimpse into the town's rich Roman heritage. The fortress walls and adjacent basilica are notable attractions, and the site continues to be an important part of Montana's cultural identity.

![Photo of Castra ad Montanesium castrum](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/%D0%9E%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82_%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_-_%D0%93%D1%80._%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_-_%D0%90%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82_-_%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0_%D0%B0%D0%B4_%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%83%D0%BC_-_%286%29.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castra_ad_Montanesium (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)