Constancia and traces of history
The fortress of Constancia stood on the Asara heights near Simeonovgrad, on the right bank of the Maritsa. Its history stretches from the 4th century to the beginning of the 13th century. In the 12th century, it developed into an important military-administrative, ecclesiastical and economic urban centre. These functions show that, in that era, Constancia’s role extended far beyond the military.
The medieval city fortress of Hisara near Simeonovgrad is designated an archaeological monument of national importance.
Churches and archaeological sites
In the centre of Simeonovgrad stands St Nicholas Church. It is designated an architectural and artistic monument of national importance. Other churches are located in the municipality’s settlements: St Petka Church in Navusen dates from 1932, while the Church of St John Bogoslov in Dryanovo is designated an artistic cultural monument. Together, these sites show that the religious heritage is not confined to the town centre.
A Roman road running through Kalugerovo and Troyan, as well as Tenevo and Ovcharovo, is designated an archaeological monument of national importance. Kalugerovo and Troyan locate part of this ancient route within Simeonovgrad Municipality; it also passes through the aforementioned settlements of Tenevo and Ovcharovo. The historical perspective therefore extends beyond individual structures to include a route connecting several settlements.
The late medieval Church of St Elijah is located in the TĂĽlbeto area, 0.8 kilometres southwest of Kalugerovo; it is designated an archaeological monument. A holy spring with a chapel is also located in TĂĽlbeto, 0.8 kilometres southwest of Kalugerovo. The place names and distance provide a precise geographical reference for these sacred sites.
The Maritsa, hills and wine
The Maritsa flows through Simeonovgrad Municipality. The Sazliya is its most significant left-bank tributary; the average elevation in its valley is 78.7 metres. The terrain also consists of separate, isolated hill formations. The river, valley and individual hills thus create distinct landscape features. The Troyan Reservoir was built on the Luda Yana River. Forests cover 23 percent of the municipality, equivalent to 52,066 decares; this proportion may change over time.
Wine is also part of local cultural life. Trifon Zarezan, on 12 February, is associated with a wine festival and the “Lyubitel vinar” competition in the Lyulek Bair area near Kalugerovo. If you are interested, check the programme for the relevant year. A report from 2024 also describes a competition for the best homemade wine made from the 2023 harvest. A tasting panel of oenologists judged the wines. Wine is thus part of both the festival calendar and a professional tasting here.
Getting around and travelling here
The Sofia–Simeonovgrad–Svilengrad and Galabovo–Simeonovgrad railway lines run through Simeonovgrad Municipality; the main station is Simeonovgrad railway station. If you are planning to travel by train, check the current timetable. The municipality’s river and settlement names, as well as Simeonovgrad railway station, offer specific reference points for getting your bearings.
Discover more destinations: Simeonovgrad, Svilengrad, Mineralni Bani, Stambolovo, Madjarovo, Ivaylovgrad, Dimitrovgrad, Topolovgrad.
For the regional travel overview: Haskovo Province.
