The fortress was erected even in the time of the Roman Empire amidst inaccessible rocks by the town of Belogradchik. It guarded the important route from the Danube to the Aegean. At that time people would report important news by signals with fire from one fortress to another.
Later the fortress was also used in the Middle Ages and it underwent changes in the beginning of the 19th century as well.
Three courtyards are formed in the fortress, each with its own walls nearly 15 metres high. Thus the defenders were better protected. In the interior one discovers remains of dwellings for the troops, water reservoirs, storehouses for food and flour mills. Parts of a Roman aqueduct were also discovered near the fortress. With this special facility the ancient Romans supplied their cities with water from very distant places.