Despot Slavova fortress - town of Melnik

Overview

Despot-Slavova Fortress (also known as Melnik Fortress) is located above the town of Melnik, about 1 km northeast of the city center. It is believed that the fortress was built in the XI century, but in the XIII century, during the reign of Despot Alexius Slav was expanded and further strengthened (hence its name - the fortress of Despot Slav). The role of the fortress was to protect the region, as the fortress was the residence of the despots Alexy Slav and Dragota.

Despot-Slavova fortress covered an area of ​​about 3000 sq.m. in the form of an irregular polygon. Today, only part of its eastern wall is preserved, which in places rises to 10 meters in height. Archaeological excavations have uncovered parts of its southern and western walls. Parts of the fortress were found in the foundations of the church of St. Nicholas. Its walls are 2-3 m thick and up to 10 m high. The monument has been partially restored, only parts of the eastern wall have been preserved. The architectural analysis of the finds shows four periods of construction - early Byzantine, two medieval and the fourth period, which is associated with the name of Despot Slav /1208 - 1230/