In the morning, we attended Viking's “Vidin on Foot” excursion. Vidin is one of the lesser-known attractions in Bulgaria, which has a rich history, beautiful architectures, and stunning natural surroundings.
The Viking local guide took us strolling along the Danube River and describing the building architecture along the way. And finally we got to the Baba Vida Fortress which is the main landmark of Vidin and It is the only medieval fortress that’s been preserved in its original form.
 |
| Baba Vida Fortress |
The fortress served as the main defensive installation of Vidin during the Middle Ages and acted as the most important fortress in northwest Bulgaria. Baba Vida endured a Byzantine siege that lasted eight months carried out by the forces of Basilio II, but it was destroyed and erected again during the mandate of Iván Sracimir, which used it as its capital. In 1388, the Ottomans invaded the lands of Sracimir and forced him to become his vassal.
 |
| Baba Vida Fortress |
 |
| Baba Vida Fortress |
Legend says that Vida was the eldest daughter of a Bulgarian boyar with vast possessions. Taught by the failed marriage of her sisters, Kula and Gamza, she rejected all marriage proposals, built an inaccessible castle, and spent her entire life there, a medieval version of the concept of the Iron Maiden.
In the afternoon, we attended Viking’s optional excursion “Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress”. It is one of the best-preserved strongholds in Bulgaria and a cultural monument of national importance.
 |
| Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress |
 |
| Entrance of the Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress |
 |
| Entrance of the Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress |
The initial fortress was constructed during the time when the region was part of the Roman Empire. The rock formations in the area served as a natural protection, as fortified walls were practically only built from the northwest and southeast, with the yard being surrounded by rocks up to 70 m (230 ft) high from the other sides.
The Bulgarian tsar of Vidin, Ivan Stratsimir extended the old fortress in the 14th century, building fortified garrisons in front of the existing rock massifs. During Stratsimir's rule, the Belogradchik Fortress became one of the most important strongholds in the region, second only to the tsar's capital fortress of Vidin, Baba Vida.
We had a lot of fun by hiking on the rocks and taking photos. It is considered as our only hike during this Viking River Cruise.
 |
| Hiking in the Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress |
 |
| Hiking in the Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress |
 |
| Hiking in the Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress |
No comments:
Post a Comment