Asen’s Fortress, also known as Asenova Krepost, is a medieval stronghold in southern Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains.
Perched on a steep rocky hill at an elevation of 279 meters (915 feet), this fortress provides amazing views of the surrounding natural scenery, reflecting Bulgaria’s resilience and national pride.
It appeals to history buffs and nature lovers due to its unique combination of historical past and breathtaking scenery.
The fortress’s ruins and remains allow tourists to travel back in time and envision the exciting life that once thrived within its walls.
This article shares everything you must know before booking tickets to Asen’s Fortress.
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What to expect at Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria
You’ll discover remnants of multiple buildings that originally served military and administrative functions.
The fortress offers beautiful panoramic views of the Rhodope Mountains and the valley below.
It’s also an ideal location for photography.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God is one of the highlights within the fortress.
Take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails. Nature walks amidst the flora and fauna make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, Asen’s Fortress is the perfect place to unwind from the hustle of city life.
| Ticket | Cost |
|---|---|
| From Sofia: Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery | лв108 (€55) |
| From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress | лв76 (€39) |
The Asen’s Fortress Tour ticket cost starts from лв76 (€39) and goes up to лв272 (€139) depending upon the season and group size.
Where to book Asen’s Fortress tickets
You can purchase your Asen’s Fortress Tour tickets online in advance or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
The Asenova Krepost provides a memorable experience with beautiful surroundings; hence, the tickets are often in high demand. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Asen’s Fortress ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets instantly.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
You don’t need to take any printouts.
Show your smartphone ticket at the meeting point mentioned on the ticket booking page and start the tour.
Asen’s Fortress ticket price
The Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery tickets cost лв108 (€55) for people over 12 years and лв102 (€52) for children between four and 11.
Admission is free for infants under three.
The Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress tickets cost лв76 (€39) for people over 12 years and лв61 (€31) for children under 11.
Asen’s Fortress tickets
You can choose between the following Asen’s Fortress tickets according to your budget and convenience.
Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery tickets
After being picked up from your hotel in Sofia, you’ll enjoy a picturesque 1.5-hour journey to Plovdiv.
There, you can visit historic monuments like the Roman Stadium and Theater.
Stroll through the picturesque Old Town, featuring traditional houses and cobblestone streets.
Following a delicious Bulgarian lunch, you’ll take a 25-minute drive to Asenova Fortress, perched on a cliff in the Rodopi Mountains.
After that, you’ll proceed to the Bachkovo Monastery to admire the exquisite mural paintings that have endured the test of time.
Finally, you’ll be driven back to Sofia and dropped off at your accommodation.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): лв108 (€55)
Child Ticket (4 to 11 years): лв102 (€52)
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen’s Fortress tickets
After a two-hour trip, spend the entire day in Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest towns.
Visit a 19th-century home and stroll through quaint cobblestone lanes to learn how local alcoholic beverages and items made with rose oil are made.
Don’t forget to visit the magnificent Roman Theater, the Roman Stadium, and the stunning church.
You’ll get two hours to explore, grab lunch, and sip coffee along the main pedestrian street.
You can proceed to Asen’s Fortress, a magnificent medieval building only a 30-minute drive away.
Learn about its rich past while taking breathtaking pictures from the top, and then head back to Sofia.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (12+ years): лв76 (€39)
Child Ticket (up to 11 years): лв61 (€31)
Buy tickets for the Sofia Full-Day Sightseeing Tour and experience Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Explore the UNESCO-listed landmarks, relics from the communist era, and other cultural treasures that exhibit the city’s rich artistic heritage. Discover the highlights of Sofia’s historical center and suburbs, including the charming onion domes of churches, monuments of communism, and the picturesque Lake Pancharevo.
How to reach Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria
The Asen’s Fortress is in the Rhodope Mountains, near the town of Asenovgrad in Bulgaria.
Address: 4230 Asenovgrad, Bulgaria. Get Directions.
You can reach Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria by both public and private transportation.
By Train
You can board trains 19202, 19206, 19208, 19210, 19212, 19214, 19216, 19218, 19220, 19224, 19226, 19228, 19230, 19232, 19234, 19270, and 19272 to reach Asenovgrad Train Station, a 7-minute drive from the Asenova Krepost.
By Car
To reach Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
Asen’s Fortress does not have an on-site parking facility.
Click here to discover nearby paid parking garages.
Asen’s Fortress timings
The Asen’s Fortress opens for visitors at 9 am and closes at 6 pm every day during winter and autumn.
During the summers, the fortress closes late, at 8 pm from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the fortress closes at 10 pm.
Best time to visit the Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria
If you prefer to avoid large crowds, take the tour on weekday mornings as soon as the attraction is open for visitors at 9 am.
However, if you enjoy the crowd, weekends are good too.
The best season to visit Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria is spring and autumn.
The weather is mild and pleasant, making sightseeing and exploring the surrounding areas comfortable.
In spring, you’ll witness colorful flowers and lush greenery blooming, creating a picturesque landscape around the fortress.
How long does the tour take
You can spend 1 to 2 hours exploring Asen’s Fortress.
If you are going on a day trip from Sofia, the round trip will take around 8 to 10 hours, including the time spent on the road.
This estimate includes travel time, sightseeing at Asen’s Fortress, and extra time for breaks, taking photos, or admiring the natural splendor.
FAQs about the Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria
Here are some FAQs about the Asen’s Fortress in Bulgaria.
Where is Asen’s Fortress located?
Asen’s Fortress is situated in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, near the town of Asenovgrad.
How do I get to Asen’s Fortress?
You can reach Asen’s Fortress by car, public transportation, or guided tours from nearby cities like Sofia.
Can I take photographs at Asen’s Fortress?
Absolutely! You can capture the beauty and mysticism of the fortress and its surroundings.
What is the best time to visit Asen’s Fortress?
The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is vibrant. Summers can be hot, and winters may bring blizzards, limiting accessibility.
Are there any safety precautions to remember while visiting the Asen’s Fortress?
Yes, wearing appropriate footwear is essential, as the terrain can be uneven. While climbing steep areas, respect any safety barriers or signs.
Is there parking available at Asen’s Fortress?
Yes, parking is available near the fortress’s entrance for visitors arriving by car.
Fantastic views of the mountains and Asenovgrad! There’s a large parking lot right next to the Fortress. You can take a stroll to the chapel of St. Atanas—just follow the signs. Walk along the old Roman road, and if you’re up for it, you can keep going all the way to the Lyaskovska River. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and relax.