Moniak medieval fortress near Kardzhali

Описание: MONIAK fortress is 6 km. east of Kardzhali and is surrounded by the waters of "Studen kladenets" lake, which is the lower artificial lake on the river Arda, second of the three cascade dam lakes (see more info in the video about Kardzhali lake).
MONIAK (MNEAKOS) medieval fortress has the statute of an immovable monument of culture and is a place of national importance for Bulgaria. It was mentioned in the written works of George Akropolit and Theodor Skutariot (XIII century).
MONIAK is one of the largest and highest fortresses in the Rhodopes and has a protected area of 50 decares. The outer fortress wall was built of broken stones, joined together with white mortar. It follows the outlines of the rock wreathe. In some places the hight of the wall has been preserved to 7,80 m. The entrance is on the west and is guarded by two rectangular towers. The citadel is situated at the highest eastern part of the hill. Along the wall there are solid bastions, two of them flanking the entrance. While the fortress was being built, special attention was paid to the water storage reservoirs and the food storehouses, some of which have been archaeologically studied.
A military garrisone was quartered in the fortress and during military actions the population from the settlements in the plain found shelter in it.
MNEAKOS/MONIAK is connected with the Cruicide in 1206, which passed through the inner side of the Rhodope Mountains. The annalist of the Criucide, Marshal Geoffrey of Villehardouin wrote that in the beautiful and fruitful valley of the Art (Arda) River , at the foot of the mighty place Moniak (Mneakos), the knights learned about the death of their emperor Baldwin of Fladers. The barons' council had their meeting there, during which Henry was chosen to be the Emperor of the Latin Empire.
Background music: ENYA-Storms in Africa