Kopsis fortress
Kopsis fortress (aka Anevsko Kale or Anevo kale) is a Middle Ages fortress located on the southern slopes of Stara Planina, around 4 kilometres north from the Village of Anevo (near Sopot). The fortress was built in that state in the Middle Ages (around XII century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom), and existed until the end of the XIV century. The castle was the capital of the possessions of the brothers Smilets, Voysil and Radoslav. Excavations have proved that there was a fortification facility at same plcae since the Antiquity.
Anevsko kale fortress is situated on hill at altitude of 850 meters above the sea level and is a difficult to access and naturally protected high elevation place. The main gate of the castle was from the south. The walls have reached a height of 12-14 meters and have surrounded an area of about 5 000 m2 . Most preserved from Anevo castle is the west fortress wall. It ends with one tower to the north and south and is about 100 meters long and 1.65 m. wide. The fortress has 8 towers, most of them with irregular four or multi angle shape.
Archaeological excavations into the fortress have revealed a monastery complex with a church and several individual churches.
Today Kopsis Fortress (Anevsko kale) is one of the best preserved fortresses in Bulgaria and attracts many tourists.
