The most beautiful cape of the Black Sea is home to the former Kaliakra fortress

The Kaliakra fortress is situated on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, in the extreme northeastern part of the country, near the town of Kavarna.

It is located on a narrow and long peninsula that juts out about 2 km into the Black Sea, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding sea.

Kaliakra Fortress, Bulgaria, Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kaliakra Fort has a rich history that goes back more than two thousand years. This area was inhabited since ancient times, and the fortress itself was originally a Thracian settlement. It was later occupied by the Greeks in the 4th century BC it became an important Hellenistic center. The Romans also used the fort, and after them came the Byzantines.

Kaliakra experienced its greatest prosperity during the Middle Ages, especially in the 14th century when it was the center of an independent principality founded by Balik, a Bulgarian nobleman. The fort served as an important military and naval base and was additionally fortified and expanded to better defend against enemy attacks.

Kaliakra Fortress, Bulgaria, Photo: Dimitrova, Depositphotos

Due to its location on a 70-meter-high cliff that rises above the Black Sea, Kaliakra has had exceptional strategic importance throughout history. It enabled control over the maritime route along the Black Sea coast.

Kaliakra is a place rich in archaeological sites, including the remains of a fortress, churches, Roman baths, and other buildings. Archaeological research has revealed many artifacts that testify to the long and complex history of this area.

The place is also known for many legends, including that of 40 Bulgarian girls who, according to legend, jumped off a cliff into the sea to escape Ottoman captivity. This story symbolizes courage and self-sacrifice, and the cliff is often called "Maiden Cliffs".

Kaliakra is also known for its natural beauty. Rocks jutting into the sea, caves and an environment rich in vegetation make it a popular tourist destination. The area has been declared a nature reserve due to its biodiversity.

Kaliakra represents a combination of history, culture, and nature, making it one of the most significant cultural and historical monuments in Bulgaria.