The artifacts discovered during the excavations here show that at the end of the Copper Stone Age the settlement was a thriving artisan centre. Life went on through the ages – a Roman fortification rose here in the mid-2^nd century, a pagan religious centre – in the 3^rd century. On top of the Roman fortress, a Byzantine defence outpost was built; through the ages the fortification has been repaired and added to many times. Now, remains of sturdy walls put up in Roman times, during the Byzantine period and the Bulgarian Middle Ages can all be seen on top of the sheer cliff. The history of Mezdra has left its imprint in the different layers underneath Kaleto with the artifacts unearthed testifying to the wealth and prosperity of the people inhabiting the ancient town. Today, Kaleto is a magnificent and well preserved archaeological complex. In 2013 it was fully restored and is now a must-see for the entire region. Part of the ancient homes, remains of streets and household objects are now arranged in a special exhibition, where artifacts from different ages can be seen. A visit to the museum section can easily be combined with a walk among the artisan workshops, which breathe life into the ancient local crafts.

“The Kaleto archaeological complex is in fact a hill that is safeguarded by the river passing below,” says Georgi Andonov, coordinator for popularizing local sites at an NGO. “There are many valuable finds there, among them the Sanctuary of the Ure (Bos primigenius, an extinct type of large wild cattle), discovered in 2008, a place with no analogue anywhere else in Bulgaria. At that time – 2,500 years ago – these parts were inhabited by the Thracians from the Triballi tribe. Later, after being conquered by the Roman Empire it continued to serve as a Roman fortification because it provides a direct view to the mountain passes. A lot of coins and jewelry from this period have been found here. But the most fascinating find that is on display at the museum is a bronze key dating back 2,000 years; archaeologists call it “The Key to the Northwest”. The town has been razed to the ground many times; many peoples have come and gone. After the coming of the Proto-Bulgarians, led by Khan Asparouh, this is where an Old Bulgarian settlement developed, seized by Byzantium in the 11^th century. There is a legend that this was the last fortress to have stood its ground in the face of the Turkish invaders in the 14^th century, during the reign of Tsar Shishman. After the extensive archaeological studies, the fortress is now well preserved, with additional infrastructure for the tourists’ convenience. There is a modern exposition hall where visitors can literally take a walk through the ages. For all amateur archaeologists and historians, the complex is a must-see.”

The restoration and official opening of the Kaleto Archaeological complex to tourists took place one year ago, almost to the day. As of this month, the fortress is on the list of Bulgaria’s 100 national tourist sites, prepared and popularized by the Bulgarian Tourist Union.

English version: Milena Daynova
Photos: www.kaleto-mezdra.bg