The Ancient fortress of Cherven was prob­ably built in the 6th century on a high rocky plateau on a meander of the Cherni Lom River. The fortification system of the early Byzantine fortress had an irregular layout. It spread over an area of 2.4 ha. Fortress walls were built only from the east and west, and the 100 m high verti­cal rocks in the north and south posed an insurmountable obstacle.

In the 14th century, life in Cherven was burgeoning. The medieval Bulgarian cita­del included an inner city situated on a high rock plateau and an outer city occu­pying its foothills. It had a sophisticated fortification system built in several stages, it was densely constructed and had a dif­fused street network. It developed as an economic centre notable for its iron­working, construction and woodworking, household and artistic crafts.

Cherven was one of the most important military, administrative, ecclesiastic, cul­tural and economic centres of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th–14th century). Its importance grew after 1235, when it be­came the seat of the medieval Bulgarian Bishopric of Cherven.

Archaeologists have discovered a big feu­dal castle, fortress walls, underground water supply passages, public admin­istration buildings, 16 churches, street network, residential buildings and work­shops. There is a completely preserved three-storey tower.

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