The fortress was built around a mineral formation known as the Belogradchik Rocks, which extends for about 17 square miles in the region. The structure dates all the way back to Roman times, as the natural topography meant that relatively little construction needed to be done in order to create a secure space. The area received something of an expansion in the 1300s under the tsar of Bulgaria.
The Ottomans took over the fortress during an invasion of 1396. They did a bit more work on the area, as the population wasn't too happy about their arrival. More changes came in the 1800s. It was expanded again, and played a role when the Ottomans put down an uprising in 1850. It was last used for military purposes in the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885.
What's the most striking aspect of the place? It is steep. The stairs are not for the meek of heart, and it takes some effort to get to the top. (The footing isn't great in some places; let's say this is another spot which would cause OSHA administrators to faint if they saw it.) But the views are quite nice once you get there.
Here's a way to see it without climbing:
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