Baba Vida Fortress | Pleven

Information

Landmark: Baba Vida Fortress
City: Pleven
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe

Baba Vida Fortress, Pleven, Bulgaria, Europe

Baba Vida is a medieval fortress and castle located in Vidin, Northwestern Bulgaria. It is the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country. Note: Contrary to the location in your prompt, it is approximately 150 km northwest of Pleven.

Visual Characteristics

The fortress is situated on the bank of the Danube River, surrounded by a water-filled moat. It features a double-walled defensive system with nine towers (square, rectangular, and round). The architecture combines massive stone masonry with brickwork, enclosing a central courtyard and two-story residential and administrative quarters.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Riverside Park, 3703 Vidin.

Access from Pleven: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via E83 and Route 11.

Pedestrian Access: Located at the northern end of Vidin's Riverside Park; easily accessible by foot from the city center.

Parking: Public parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the entrance.

Historical & Engineering Origin

The fortress was built upon the remains of the Roman city of Bononia. Construction of the medieval castle began in the 10th century. Major expansions occurred during the Second Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Ivan Sratsimir, who used it as a primary residence. During the Ottoman period, it was modified for artillery defense and served as an armory and prison.