Gradishte Fortress is a significant Thracian archaeological site located in the Gela region of Smolyan, Bulgaria, situated about 3.5 kilometers southwest of the present village. The fortress exhibits two major construction periods, with the earliest dating to the Dark Ages in Southeast Europe (12th–9th century BC). Excavations conducted by the Regional Historical Museum reveal evidence of settlement and defensive structures spanning multiple historical periods. The site is situated on a prominent hill in the Middle Rhodopes, commanding views of the surrounding valleys and providing insight into ancient Thracian settlement patterns and military strategy.
