Tuida Fortress near Sliven offers visitors an engaging summer programme

During the summer months, the Late Antique and medieval Tuida Fortress near Sliven is welcoming visitors with a rich cultural programme centred on Bulgaria's historical heritage and traditional crafts, BTA reports.

According to Maya Ivanova from the fortress team, "even an ordinary walk behind the fortress walls can turn into a truly memorable experience."

This tourist season is shaping up to be particularly successful, with growing interest from international visitors as well.

Guests can take part in a variety of hands-on workshops, including wool crafting, pottery wheel demonstrations and clay modelling.

The idea of introducing pottery workshops at Tuida dates back several years, but only became possible after the site joined the Regional Museum of History in Sliven in 2025.

Alongside the craft workshops, the fortress also offers archery, opportunities to dress in historical costumes and educational programmes recreating significant events from Bulgarian history.

Visitors can join role-playing games, historical reenactments and interactive activities, while learning about medieval cuisine, everyday life and traditional dances.

Tuida Fortress has recently become part of the 100 National Tourist Sites initiative.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the movement, the museum team will take part in the celebrations in the village of Zheravna, where a two-day festival will be held on July 25 and 26. They will present historical demonstrations, interactive attractions and an information stand.

The fortress has also prepared a busy cultural calendar for the remainder of the summer. On July 29, acclaimed actress Zdrava Kamenova will perform before a Sliven audience at the site for the first time.

On July 31, the traditional charity concert Rock beneath the Blue Stones will take place, featuring the Bulgarian rock band Atlas.

In September, the programme will continue with a new edition of the amateur folk dance festival, theatre performances and a variety of other cultural events.

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Edited by Tsvetana Toncheva