Fortress Storgosia, located in Kaylaka Park near Pleven in north-central Bulgaria, originated as a Roman road station before evolving into a significant Late Antiquity fortress. Its name derives from Greek meaning "love," literally translating to "the city of love." Originally accommodating detachments from Legio I Italica's Novae garrison, the fortress expanded during the 4th century to encompass 31,000 square metres of fortified space enclosed by defensive walls 2.20 metres thick. Archaeological excavations have revealed two gates, three defensive towers, residential buildings, a substantial 4th-century basilica measuring 45.20 by 22.20 metres, and a public granary, providing comprehensive evidence of its strategic and administrative importance. The fortress flourished until the 6th century when Slavic settlements apparently led to its abandonment, and Ottoman forces likely destroyed its remaining structures in the 16th century to repurpose stones for Turkish barracks construction in Pleven.
