Antique Fortress at Cape Saint Athanasius

Working hours: 09:00 - 17:00 (Monday-Sunday)

The ancient fortress was opened to visitors in 2014 after a successful restoration and conservation project. It is located near the port in the southeastern part of Byala. During archeological excavations multiple sites were discovered including three wineries, a public bath, ceramic kilns for pottery, entire streets as well as an early Christian complex.

Locals were mainly occupied with viticulture and wine production. In the most preserved winery, a model of an antique wooden device used for crushing grapes can be observed. The Christian complex includes a basilica, the bishop's residence, two baptisteries, a sacred well and a building for storing donations.

The fortress has gone through several natural cataclysms and barbarian invasions. In 614, it was burned down and destroyed by an Avar-Slavic invasion, despite the presence of a moat and nearly 2 metre thick fortress wall.