Castra Martis

Castra Martis is a Roman fortress located in the modern site of Kula. Named after the Roman god of war Mars, it served to protect the Vrashka Chuka pass in the western Balkan mountains. It was part of the fortification system of the Roman province Dacia RIpensis, which includes also Bononia (today Vidin) and the provincial capital (Archdiocese of Ratiaria (today Archar village). 

The fortress comprises of 2 parts - a fortification, called quadriburg and a larger castel located southern from it. The Quadriburg is dated to the end of the III - beginning of the IV century in the times of Emperor Diocletian. The fortification is 40 by 40 m in size with large towers at the corners with a diameter of 12.5 m. It is very well preserved and fully disclosed. Although partially destroyed, one of the towers is rising ar. 17 m. high and dominates the landscape, giving the name of the town - Kula (means tower in Bulgarian).