Devingrad
Medieval stronghold on a hill of Veliko Tarnovo.
Devingrad, also called Momina krepost (Maiden’s Fortress), sits on a namesake hill in Veliko Tarnovo, northern Bulgaria. During the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396 AD), when Tarnovgrad was the capital, this hill ranked among the three main ones—alongside Tsarevets and Trapezitsa.
The hill had been a stronghold since Byzantine times. Local legend holds that craftsmen heavily polluted the slope facing the Yantra River, where cattlemen and farmers also lived.
A fortress wall with two gates enclosed the stronghold. Inside stood several churches, a necropolis, craft workshops, and homes.
In the late 19th century, Czech-Bulgarian archaeologists Karel and Hermann Skorpil surveyed the hill. Later, Assistant Professor Evgeni Dermendzhiev of the Veliko Tarnovo Regional Museum of History identified a citadel there, roughly 300 meters long and 30–40 meters wide.
- Also known as
- Momina krepost (Maiden’s Fortress)
- Location
- Hill in Veliko Tarnovo, northern Bulgaria
- Period
- Medieval (Byzantine times through Second Bulgarian Empire)
- Type
- Medieval stronghold
- Explored by
- Karel Skorpil and Hermann Skorpil (late 19th century)
- Features
- Fortress wall, two gates, churches, necropolis, craft shops, housing
Lore & Background
The hill at Momina Krepost was one of three main fortified hills of medieval Veliko Tarnovo and had been a stronghold since Byzantine times. Legends say the side of the hill facing the Yantra River was heavily polluted by craftsmen, in an area where cattlemen and farmers also lived. The stronghold was surrounded by a fortress wall and had two gates; inside were a few churches, a necropolis, craft shops, and housing.
Reader's Guide
Devingrad (Momina krepost) is significant as one of the principal hills of medieval Tarnovgrad, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Its continuous use from Byzantine times through the medieval period illustrates the strategic importance of the site. Archaeological work by the Czech-Bulgarian brothers Karel and Hermann Skorpil in the late 19th century, and later by Assist. Prof. Evgeni Dermendzhiev, revealed a citadel approximately 300 meters long and 30–40 meters wide. The stronghold’s walls, gates, churches, necropolis, and craft shops indicate a fortified settlement with both defensive and civilian functions. The legends of pollution from craftsmen offer a rare glimpse into daily life and environmental conditions in medieval Tarnovgrad. As a component of the former capital, Devingrad contributes to understanding the urban and military layout of one of Bulgaria’s most important historical cities.
Did You Know?
- The hill was one of three main hills when Tarnovgrad was capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
- The Czech-Bulgarian archaeologist Karel Skorpil and his brother Hermann explored the hill in the late 19th century.
- A citadel about 300 meters long and 30–40 meters wide was found on the hill by Assist. Prof. Evgeni Dermendzhiev.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Devingrad?
Devingrad is a medieval hilltop fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, northern Bulgaria, also known locally as Momina krepost or the Maiden's Fortress. It functioned as a fortified settlement from Byzantine times through the medieval Bulgarian era.
Where exactly is Devingrad located?
The stronghold sits atop its own hill within the city of Veliko Tarnovo, in northern Bulgaria. During the Second Bulgarian Empire, this hill was one of three principal elevated sites in the capital, alongside Tsarevets and Trapezitsa.
What was inside the Devingrad fortress?
A surrounding wall with two entry gates enclosed the settlement, which contained multiple churches, a burial ground, artisan workshops, and residential buildings. Local tradition holds that the slope facing the Yantra River was heavily populated by craftsmen, herders, and farmers.
Who first studied Devingrad archaeologically?
The brothers Karel and Hermann Skorpil carried out late nineteenth-century excavations at the site. Their work helped establish the medieval character and internal layout of the fortress for modern scholarship.
Why is Devingrad significant in Bulgarian history?
As one of the three major fortified hills of Tarnovgrad during the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396), it was integral to the capital's defensive and civic infrastructure. Its continuous use from the Byzantine era into the medieval Bulgarian period makes it a key layer in the city's developmental history.
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