Medieval Fortress at the Village of Mezek – A Guardian of History in the Eastern Rhodopes
The medieval fortress near the village of Mezek stands proudly on the northwestern slope of the Eastern Rhodopes, just west of the village.
Spanning an area of approximately 6.5 hectares, the fortress is shaped like an irregular quadrangle, measuring about 110 by 60 meters. Its walls are built from greenish rubble stones bound with white mortar, with large, finely hewn stone blocks used for the outer facings.
Decorative brick bands adorn the walls and towers, adding to the architectural character of the structure.
Architecture and Defensive System
The fortress was defended by nine towers of varying shapes – circular and U-shaped – each serving distinct purposes. The walls of these towers range in thickness from 1.40 to 2.20 meters and in width from 1.80 to 2.90 meters.
Five of the towers feature separate arched entrances at ground level. Internally, they are hollow, with access between floors provided by wooden staircases.
One of the towers served as a prison, while the tallest – rising three storeys high – was equipped with battlements for observation and defense. It likely functioned as the last line of refuge in the event of an attack.
Three open stone staircases, two located on the southern wall and connected by arches, lead to the fighting platforms.
The fortification wall was originally crowned with dentils, which remained intact until the Balkan Wars (1912–1913).
The fortress had two entrances: a main gate on the western side and a smaller one to the east. Both were secured with massive doors reinforced on the inside with thick wooden beams.
Historical Significance and Dating
The exact dating of the fortress remains a topic of debate, with historical sources suggesting periods ranging from the 8th to the 12th century.
However, archaeological excavations conducted in the 1980s indicate that the earliest materials found around the fortress date to the late 11th century. It was likely constructed during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Komnenos (1081–1117), following Byzantium’s conquest of Bulgaria.
In 1094, the fortress was partially destroyed by the Cumans but was quickly repaired, as evidenced by restoration traces on the western wall.
The fortress functioned as a defensive stronghold until the second half of the 14th century, when it was ultimately captured by the Ottomans.
Archaeological Finds
Archaeological excavations at the fortress have uncovered numerous artifacts that offer valuable insight into life and daily activities from the 12th to the 14th century.
Among the discoveries are:
- Iron arrowheads
- Horseshoes
- Coins dating from the 12th to the 14th century
- Spurs
- Tools
- Stone mills
- A burnt grain store covering over 20 square meters
The site also yielded various ceramic vessels, ranging from utilitarian grain storage containers to artistically crafted luxury pottery adorned with multicolored glazes and geometric ornaments. These ceramic pieces show stylistic parallels with findings from Pernik, Veliko Tarnovo, and Melnik.
Identification and Significance
Most researchers identify the fortress at Mezek with the historic site of Neotzikon (Neutzikon).
Some, including Bozhidar Dimitrov and Antony Khanjiyski, have linked the site to the medieval fortress of Versinikia, where Khan Krum famously defeated the Byzantines in 813. However, this theory is not supported by archaeological evidence.
In 1968, the fortress was officially declared a cultural monument of national importance.
Gallery
Photographers: Pavel Sarandiev and Dimitar Chokorov
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Contact
Opening Hours:
Summer
(01.05 – 31.10.2025)
9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Winter
(01.11 – 30.04.2025)
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM