Momina kula Fort

The late ancient and medieval fortress Momina kula is located in the settlement of the village of Kremen in one of the narrowest and most picturesque stretches of Mesta River in Momina ravine. It is situated 6 km south-east of the village of Kremen and in the same direction respectively 31 km and 86 km away of Bansko and Blagoevgrad. The capital Sofia city is located 180 km in the north-west.

The fort is situated upon a hill surrounded by deep valleys from three sides. It was probably built in the II-III century and was then abandoned and restored only in XII century. It occupies an area of about 500 sq. m.

The legend

There are several legends about Momina kula. One tells of a brave girl who jumped into the deep abyss laying before her in order not to be captured alive into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. She found her death there. The population named the area Momina kula to perpetuate the heroism and sacrifice of the girl.

According to another legend, the fortress was built by the sister of King Ivan Shishman - Kera Tamara, after she escaped from Turkish captivity.

architecture

The fortress's fortifying wall used to surround the entire hill. It was built of local crushed stone bonded with plaster. The nests of decayed transverse and longitudinal beams are visible in many places. The wall is preserved from the western side and reaches a height of 8 m. The only entrance of the fort was from this part.

Two rock formations loopholelike were discovered to the south. There are also pieces of domestic pottery, characteristic of V-VI and XII-XIV century. In the rocks under the castle there is a natural cave with several entrances, galleries and halls with remains proving the existence of a prehistoric settlement. Today the cave entrances are walled and the access to it is impossible.

It can be assumed from the present state of the fort that it was rebuilt twice and has been used in quite a long time, from the Antiquity to the Middle Ages. The fact that in 1951 looters find there 7 gold coins from the Byzantine Emperor Komnenos reaffirms that. There are also arrows with iron tips.

transport

Momina kula fort is reachable via asphalt road from Gotse Delchev or Bansko. With a car you can only reach the road expansion under the cliff with the fort. From there you should take a path in the north going up to the fort. In 20 minutes you reach the fort itself.

accomodation

The cisitors of the fortress can take advanatage of sveral hotels in Dobrinishte /23 km north-west/, in the municipal center Bansko as well as of one guest house in teh village of Obidim /16 km in the north/.

Sources: http://pirin.bg, http://www.planinite.info, http://terrabyzantica.blogspot.com
Photos: http://terrabyzantica.blogspot.com