The Sofia Opera and Ballet is preparing for its latest festival “Portal of Two Worlds” which will be held in Tsari Mali Grad Fortress. The stronghold which dates back to the time of the late Roman Empire is located on St. Spas hill above the village of Belchin, only 15 kilometers away from the town of Samokov. The festival will be held between August 29 and September 7 and is expected to attract many people. In the morning hours of Saturday, the ancient fortress becomes a unique setting for the opera “Yana’s Nine Brothers” by the celebrated Bulgarian composer Lubomir Pipkov. The opera show is based on the idea of director Plamen Kartalov in search of new historical sites associated with legendary opera plots.

Tsari Mali Grad is a Roman fortress and a fortified settlement from the 4^th century AD. Archaeological excavations show that the complex ceased to perform defensive functions after 578. However, the stronghold was used in the Early Middle Ages as well. The remains of three successively built temples were discovered and restored right in front of the northern wall. Visitors can see the museum expositions in the towers on the northern wall.

Tourist can get to the fortress via a lift, which is also a type of attraction, or on foot via an eco trail.