Near the town of Provadia, about 50 kilometers from Varna, rises one of the most impressive and oldest fortresses in Bulgaria. Over the centuries, the fortress has been known by different names. The Byzantines called it Provat, meaning “sheep fortress.” The Bulgarians adopted its literal translation – Ovech, while its Turkish name is Tash Hisar, meaning “stone fortress.”
Detailed archaeological studies have shown that the fortress was used from the 3rd century to the beginning of the 7th century, and then again from the 10th to the end of the 17th century. It was inhabited and used by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Turks.
The Ottomans captured the fortress in the 14th century, and after the 17th century, it was permanently abandoned. It was then that the local Bulgarian population established the modern town of Provadia.
The fortress has three preserved original entrances. From the west, you can enter from the town via a spiral staircase carved into the rock. From the east, there’s access via stone steps, and from the north, you cross a 150-meter-long bridge that leads to the nearby Tabiite plateau. This is considered the main entrance to the stronghold.
During the 12th to 15th centuries, Ovech Fortress was a major commercial, religious, and cultural center. After that, its significance gradually declined.
Today, the fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and reflect on a region that has been inhabited since ancient times.
