Tsepina Medieval Fortress

The exhibition has been organized by
Regional History Museum-town of Pazardzhik
Rakitovo Municipality
Tourist Information Centre – Tsepina, Dorkovo, Rakitovo municipality

as part of Operational Programme “Regional Development” and is displayed in two of the halls on the third floor of Tsepina Tourist Information Centre situated near the fortress. The aim of the project is to present to the wide audience the findings of the archaeological excavations that took place in Tsepina fortress. The exhibition has been prepared by a team of specialists from Regional History Museum-town of Pazardzhik and the showcased items are part of the museum fund. There are two central themes examined namely: Tsepina Fortress Through the Centuries and History of Archaeological Excavation of Tsepina Fortress. The first topic is presented through display of authentic artefacts discovered during the long years of archaeological research. In the period 9th century – 3rd century BC the peak has served as sanctuary of the local Bessi Thracian tribe. Some ritual statuettes and vessels from this period are displayed including the representatives of the so called Tsepina type pottery. This exhibition also gives insight of the period after the christening of the Bessi tribe at the end of 4th century by bishop Nicetas of Remesiana. At that time an important Christian centre has been built on the premises and the focus was put on the civil and church architecture. The highlight of the first theme is found under the topic Tsepina in the Period 7th Century – 14th Century that shows the period of flourishing and prosperity of the fortress under the rule of the feudal autocrat Alexius Slav (1207-1216) when it has been pronounced a capital town.
The second theme is developed through display of numerous visual materials (maps, architectural plans, photos and texts). Some original copies of professional research of the fortress area as well as specialised articles about it can be seen as well. The published advertising materials for Tsepina fortress emphasise the importance of the sight as cultural and tourist destination.

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