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Baba Vida
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Baba Vida (Bulgarian: Баба Вида) is a mediaeval fortress in Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria and the town's primary landmark. It consists of 2 fundamental walls and 4 towers and is said to be the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country.
The construction of the fortress began in the 10th century at the place of an Ancient Roman watchtower. Baba Vida served as Vidin's main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and acted as the most important fortress of northwestern Bulgaria. Baba Vida stood an 8-month-long siege by Byzantine forces led by Basil II, but was destroyed and once again erected during the rule of Ivan Stratsimir.
The fortress played a significant role during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria, serving as a weapon warehouse and a prison, as it has been no longer used for defensive purposes since the end of the 18th century.
Today, Baba Vida is a fortress-musem, where finds and intelligence about its history are kept. Being a popular tourist attraction, the fortress was restored to its former appearance.
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