History

Discover Baba Vida Fortress

The Baba Vida fortress is the main landmark of Vidin. It is the only medieval fortress that’s been preserved in its original form. It is located on the great bend of the Danube River in the city. The fortress served as the main defensive installation of Vidin during the Middle Ages and acted as the most important fortress in northwest Bulgaria.

Baba Vida endured a Byzantine siege that lasted eight months carried out by the forces of Basilio II, but it was destroyed and erected again during the mandate of Iván Sracimir, which used it as its capital. In 1388, the Ottomans invaded the lands of Sracimir and forced him to become his vassal.

Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin

Prices

Adults pay €2, while children and students pay €1. For 10€, you get a private guide.

Schedule

Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM - 4 PM. On weekends the fortress is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.

Additional information

Vidin's summer theater is Baba Vida. Artists from Bulgaria perform throughout its summer theater days.

More about the FORTRESS

The fort played a significant role during the Ottoman Government of Bulgaria, serving as an armoury and prison. It was not used again for defensive purposes since the end of the 18th century.

Where does the name of the fortress come from? Legend has it, Vida was the eldest daughter of a Bulgarian boyar with vast possessions. Taught by the failed marriage of her sisters, Kula and Gamza, she rejected all marriage proposals, built an inaccessible castle, and spent her entire life there, a medieval version of the concept of the Iron Maiden.

In the fortress, Baba Vida is the summer theatre of Vidin. It hosts the traditional summer theatrical days, with artists from all over Bulgaria.

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