Fortress Tsepina located at a distance of few kilometers north-west of the Rhodope village Dorkovo. This fortress is one of the most famous attractions of this part of the Rhodope Mountains. Tsepina is on the cone-shaped elevation, its altitude is 1136 meters.

During archaeological excavations, researchers found the ruins of settlements of the Thracians, the foundations of the churches, dwellings, necropolis and the Basilica. According to scientists, the castle in its present form was built in 11-13 centuries.

In 1979, the fortress was engaged in research scientist Byzantinologist from Russia. He was found a marble relief, which depicts the Apostles Peter and Paul. To date, this finding is in storage at the St. Petersburg Hermitage.

Historical sources report that in the fortress Tsepina residence of Despot Alexius Slav, a nephew of the Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan, who ruled from 1197 by 1207. In the 13th century Alexius Slav was the ruler of the Rhodopes, at this time the mountain called Slavievymi. According to legend, the tyrant took a wife Isabella, daughter of Emperor Henry. After the wedding, Isabella led into the castle, where she is impressed by the high mountains and gloomy rocks cried in their native language, that there probably will be its grave. Mother despot, Tamara, not knowing the language Isabella, daughter received the word of blessing and said, "Amen, God forbid! "Soon, Isabella fell ill and died. Suicide request of a young woman lay in the fact that her grave was at the top of the nearest mountain, illuminated by the morning sun first. After some time the residence of Alexis Glory was moved to Melnik.

Not far from the fortress located hostel "Tsepina."