The Thracian Fortress Gradishte

September 27, 2023 /

The Thracian Fortress, also known as “Gradishte,” is an archaeological site located 3.5 km southwest of the village of Gela. The fortress dates back to the early phase of the Early Iron Age, between the 11th and 9th centuries BC.

It is situated on a rocky ridge with a northeast-southwest orientation, north of the peak Shilestata chuka, at an altitude of approximately 1900 m above sea level. The fortress was built using natural features that provided difficult access and easy defence. The eastern wall is played by the 150–200-meter cliff. The hike to the fortress is well-marked and takes about 3 hours in both directions, starting in front of the hotel.

The Thracian fortress “Gradishte” is the largest in the Rhodopes and is among the largest fortresses built in the high parts of the mountain.