Mediaeval fortifications Cherven (translated from Bulgarian - "red") - one of the most impressive military, administrative, economic, religious and cultural centers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (XII-XIV century). Ruins are located in the village of Cherven, which is 35 kilometers south of Ruse.

Cherven fortress built on the remains of another fortress early Byzantine period (VI century), but we know that people settled in this territory even in the Thracian era. The importance of strengthening increased after 1235, when it became the center of the diocese. The fortress was destroyed after the Tatar invasion in 1242, and later passed into the hands of the Byzantine invaders during the reign of Tsar Ivaylo (1278-1280 years).

The second half of the XIV century fortress marked by prosperity: it grows to an area of ​​1 square kilometers on which the farm buildings and homes. Comprising a fortress at this time of the inner city near the shores of the river Cherni Lom and outer city at the foot of the cliffs. In addition, the city is surrounded by a complex system of additional stone fortifications.

In the same century Cherven becomes handicraft center, comes to the fore iron mining and processing, and last but not least are the construction, art and other crafts. With its convenient location, the city became an important center for the strengthening of trade, since it lies in the path of those who follow the Danube.

The fort was captured and destroyed by the Ottoman Empire in 1388. After switching the power of the Turks, the fortress gradually lost its prestige, although some time is the administrative center.

The first excavations in the area near the fortress of Cherven were organized in the years 1910-1911, and by 1961 in the course of regular excavations were discovered: a large feudal castle, two underground drains, walls, 13 churches, public buildings, houses, streets. Also fully preserved part of the fortress - three-story tower built in XIV century. All the finds are kept at the National History, the National Archaeological Museum of Sofia, as well as of the findings sent to the Regional Historical Museum Ruse.

Fortress Cherven is archaeological reserve of national significance since 1965.