Cherven was established in the 6th century by residents of Ruse who wanted to escape chronic Slavic invasions. The town became an important religious, economic and military centre during the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396). Remains of the 6th-century citadel are remarkably intact. Several streets, towers and churches have also been discovered, and though now a protected ‘archaeological reserve’, you can clamber through it easily enough. There are great views of the river valleys and hills from the top. The ruins are a short walk north of Cherven village, about 15km south of Ivanovo.
