# Devingrad castle

- **Country:** Bulgaria
- **Notes:** Devingrad, also known as Momina Krepost (Maiden's Fortress) is a medieval stronghold located on the hill of the same name in Veliko Tarnovo in northern Bulgaria. It was one of the three fortresses of the medieval city of Tarnovgrad, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, along the Tsarevets and Trapezitsa. There few remaining traces of the structure.

Devingrad Castle, also known as Momina Krepost or the Maiden's Fortress, is a medieval stronghold situated on a hill of the same name in Veliko Tarnovo, within the Veliko Tarnovo Province of northern Bulgaria. This strategic location was one of the three primary hills that formed the core of Tarnovgrad when it served as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between 1185 and 1396 AD. The site has been recognized as a significant defensive position since Byzantine times and played a role during the broader conflicts of the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars. Its placement overlooking the Yantra River made it an integral part of the city's historic defense system.

The fortress complex was originally enclosed by a protective wall featuring two gates. Inside these boundaries, the hill supported a small community that included several churches, a necropolis, various craft shops, and residential housing. Legends suggest that the side of the hill facing the river was once populated by craftsmen, cattlemen, and farmers, though historical accounts note issues with pollution in this specific area. In the late 19th century, the site was explored by the renowned Czech-Bulgarian archaeologists Karel and Hermann Skorpil. Later investigations by Assistant Professor Evgeni Dermendzhiev revealed a citadel approximately 300 meters long and 30 to 40 meters wide, confirming the scale of the original installation.

Today, Devingrad Castle exists in a state of ruin, with only remnants of its former grandeur visible to visitors. Despite its deteriorated condition, the site remains an important archaeological landmark that offers insight into the urban layout and military architecture of medieval Bulgaria. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Veliko Tarnovo, preserving the memory of the capital city that once anchored the Second Bulgarian Empire. While no longer functional as a military installation or residence, the ruins continue to attract interest from historians and tourists exploring the heritage of the region.

![Photo of Devingrad castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/Ruins_of_Devingrad%2CVeliko_Tarnovo%2CBulgaria.jpg)

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