When people from outside of Europe plan their dream European vacations, they almost always see themselves sightseeing at the continent’s fairytale castles, but few know that they can do this in Bulgaria! Along with exploring sophisticated Sofia and chilling out on the gorgeous Black Sea beaches, Bulgaria is also a great place to see examples of medieval European architecture and history. Plus, you may just find your own Prince Charming waiting for you while you’re there. Bulgaria is an old country with vast history, but it often surprises many people just how rich that history is. One of the crowning jewels of its history is the number of castles dotted all around the landscape, especially since many of these Bulgarian Castles are incredibly unique and fantastic.
Asen’s Fortress
Previously a Byzantine castle, Asen’s Fortress was named after the emperor Ivan Asen II who conquered it from the Byzantines and gave the castle a full reconstruction. Parts of the castle remain intact to this very day, but its highlight is an old, and imposing, church that stands unblemished even today. It’s located near Asenovgrad on the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, and it stands as a testament to the ruling dynasty that formed the Second Bulgarian Empire. We recommend visiting as a day trip from Plovdiv since it’s near several other great ideas for things to do in Plovdiv province.
Baba Vida Castle
The most preserved castle in Bulgaria, Baba Vida castle is like walking through living history. You can walk atop its battlements and ramparts, or tour the old dungeons, and can even find a replica of an old battering ram. Its history is quite unique too, as it’s named after a legendary grandma that used to occupy the castle. Once you’re done with the tours, you can relax with calming views of the beautiful blue Danube.
Belogradchik Fortress
A perfect example of man and nature working in unison, this old fortress is built in and around a giant wall cliff. It’s been around since Roman times, but it was also used in medieval times by every ruler of the region. It’s situated in the Bulgarian northwest, very close to the town of Belogradchik, and today is a very popular tourist attraction. The castle has a very magical air about it, either when looking at it from outside, or when walking amidst its historic hallways and rock formations. From far away, it looks like a castle for fairies.
Cherven Castle

By Trygve W Nodeland [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons
Gate of Trajan Castle

By manevpe [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Kaliakra

By www.bdmundo.com (Cape Kaliakra) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Lovech Fortress

By Nk [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Matochina Castle
Also known as Fortress Bukelon, this castle near Metochina village is a majestic sight, as it sits atop a high hill overlooking the entire area. It’s shaped like a cross, and throughout the ages, it was rebuilt and repurposed as its owners saw fit. Today, the inner defensive tower and some parts of the double fortifications are well preserved, but sadly most other parts are lost to time.
Mezek Castle

By Izvora [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Nessebar Fortifications

By Julian Nitzsche [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Ovech Fortress
Another old Byzantine castle, this one was built in the 4th century and was used for defensive purposes. What’s unique about this castle is that it’s built in the shape of a ship and that the entrance to the fortress is fully restored. From there you can enter and explore the ruins of churches, wells, and grain tanks that were in service to the people of Provadia and the surrounding region those many centuries ago.
Shumen Fortress

Shumen Castle in Northeastern Bulgaria
This old Iron Age Fortress looms over the city of Shumen at a height of 445 meters, where it was built over 3000 years ago. The fortress’ seen heavy usage throughout millennia, and it was reinforced several times by the Thracians, Romans, and then the Byzantines. Sadly, that came to an end when the Ottomans plundered and burned it in the 14th century, but many of its walls stand imposingly even to this day.
Tsaravets Castle

Beautiful Tsaravets Fortress on the hill in Veliko Tarnovo
Tsaravets is one of the first things you see when you arrive in Veliko Tarnovo. It is both the name of the hill and the fortifications on top, and it’s visible for miles on all sides. Humans have lived on the hill for thousands of years, but the main fortifications of the city are from the twelfth century. Since the city was the capital of the second Bulgarian empire, many important historical events in Bulgarian history happened here, including the second Bulgarian kingdom’s loss and surrender to the Ottoman empire. Since visiting Tsaravets is one of the most important things to do in Veliko Tarnovo, give yourself enough time to explore before moving on to seeing the town and some of the area’s monasteries.
Planning a Trip to Bulgaria? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Make sure you always travel to Bulgaria with a valid travel insurance policy. Travel here includes outdoor activities and travel to highly touristed sites. You need to be covered in case you have an accident or fall victim to theft. Travel insurance will help you recover your expenses and continue to enjoy your trip.
For travel insurance, I use World Nomads. I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.
Have you Visited any of these Bulgarian Castles or are you planning a trip? Share your best tips or questions below!

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online, appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times, and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.