Late Antique Fortress - Tsari Mali Grad

Tsari Mali Grad is a Late Antique Roman fortress and fortified settlement in the municipality of Samokov, located on the St. Spas Hill in Mount Verila, above the village of Belchin. The earliest traces of human activity on St. Spas Hill date back to the Early Iron Age (8th-11th centuries BC). The archaeological excavations of the hill "St. Spas" began in August 2007 and were led by the archaeologist Veselin Hadzhiangelov. The excavations were funded by the Belchin Revival Foundation. The site is located on a flat terrace, immediately below the hilltop, and excavations continued until 2010, with the scientists able to identify five phases of occupation. Until the middle of the 20th century, a rite dedicated to the Ascension of Christ (Ascension Day) existed on the site.

The cultural-historical complex "Tsari Mali Grad" was officially opened on 18.07.2013, and two hiking trails have been built to the site, starting from the village of Belchin, as well as a rope-driven rail passage transport facility.