Baba Vida

The Baba Vida Medieval fortress is situated in the town of Vidin, on
the Danube riverside. It is the best preserved fortress all over
Bulgaria from the Medieval period.

The Roman fortress, called "Bolonya" , was erected on that
place in the I-VI centuries. The fortress’ foundations were laid in the
X century on one of the Roman towers. The fortress had been erected in
different historical periods and was totally completed in the XIV
century under Ivan Sratsimir. The main part of the fortress has been
preserved up to the present day. The castle has incorrect rectangular
shape with two battlements, surrounding an inbuilt yard. The internal
battlement has four corner towers, symbolizing the four cardinal
points, such as five lateral towers. The outside battlement has only
one enter tower. In front of the castle there was a moat which was
filled with the Danube water and it could be passed only using a wooden
made draw-bridge, defended from the tower. Under the dynasty of
Shishman, the fortress was completed with stones, bricks and mortar.
During the Turkish yoke it was turned into a defending fortress and was
suitable for fire arming. In the XVIII century were constructed brick
buildings and the towers were covered.

Today the fortress is a cultural and a historical record and is
opened for tourists. There is a museum exposition and at night it is
played a search light on.

Source: visit.bg