Description of the attraction
The Pirgova Tower (or Pirgova Kula) is located in one of the most ancient Bulgarian cities - Kyustendil. It was erected in the 15-16th century, now it is located in the very center of the modern city next to the Ahmed Bey Mosque and the famous Roman baths. The tower got its name from the Greek word pyrgos - tower.
The Pyrgov Tower originally performed guard and defensive functions. It is a low, 15 meters in height, three-storey building of almost perfect square shape - the dimensions of the foundation are 8.25 by 8.35 meters.
The basement was equipped with storage rooms, as well as the entrance to the tower. On the ground floor there was a security guard, there was also a large stone fireplace that heated the building, and two disguised exits to the outside. The second floor was occupied by a residential building, here the guards slept and rested, and a special niche was also provided for sanitary needs. The third floor was intended for all-round defense, the best conditions for protection were created here: the floor consists of two half-floors, such a building technique was used for strategic purposes. From niches and holes, which were located along the entire height of the walls, observation and defense were carried out.
During the Middle Ages, the Pyrgov Tower was almost completely destroyed, but in 1966 it was restored in accordance with its original historical appearance.
The Pyrgov Tower is considered one of the most ancient symbols of Kyustendil. In addition, it is an example of the construction and architectural technique of medieval fortification systems. The Pyrgov Tower is a cultural monument of national importance.
