Aerial View of Medieval Fortress Monyak

Monyak is a medieval Bulgarian fortress and is among the largest and most famous fortresses / castles in the Rhodopes. It is located on the left bank of the Arda River at an altitude of 586.7 m above the Studen Kladenets dam, 4 km south of the village of Shiroko Pole and 12 km east of the town of Kardzhali. The whole area around the fortress, the rocks on which it is built, the village of Shiroko Pole itself abounds in ancient evidence of early settlement by a population with high living and cultural skills, ensuring continuity in themselves and the surrounding areas. From the hill there is a delightful unique view of the mountains, valleys, slopes and Studen Kladenets dam. From an elevation of 586.7 m there is excellent visibility with the opposite medieval Bulgarian fortress 50 m northwest of the village of Visegrad (306.4 m) on the right bank of the river Arda. The two fortresses: at an elevation of 586.7 m on the left bank of the river Arda and at an elevation of 306.4 m on the right bank of the river Arda were built to guard the mouth of the significant river Varbitsa, as well as roads and fords along its course and branches. The third peak of this peculiar river T-junction is Chit Kaya at an altitude of 302.0 m, near the village of Lisitsite, on the right bank of the Arda River.