Tsepina

Tsepina Medieval Fortress perches on the Rhodope Mountains northwest of Dorkovo in Rakitovo Municipality, an ancient stronghold first mentioned in the 4th–5th century and fully completed between the 11th–13th centuries. Its external walls enclosed 25 decares with a fortified castle-citadel at the highest point, featuring remarkably advanced defense and water supply systems for its era. The fortress changed hands among notable rulers including despot Aleksiy Slav, Tsar Kaloyan's nephew, and housed three churches, one containing marble altar reliefs of Apostles Peter and Paul now displayed at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Today, Tsepina stands as atmospheric ruins with a museum exhibition and nearby chalet showcasing finds from archaeological research.