Pirkova Tower
The medieval defense tower in Kyustendil known under the name of Pirkova Tower is situated in the central part of the town near the Roman Therms. The name “Pirkova” comes from the Greek word ‘pirogs’, which means ‘tower’. This defense tower is considered to have been built at the end of 14th century and the beginning of 15th century.
The tower has an almost square shape, sized 8,25 meters by 8,35 meters and is 15 meters in height. It has a ground floor and 3 other floors above, the third of which, in one of its halves, is divided in two semi floors. The ground floor functioned as storage. On the first floor there is a northern overarched entrance, a stone fireplace in the southern wall, which was used for heating, as well as two loopholes. The second floor was used for living. It has a fireplace, a niche, 3 vertical and 2 round loopholes and a gallery with a place for sanitary needs. The third floor was used for circular defense. In the late middle ages it has been turned into weapons warehouse.
The Pirkova Tower gives evidence of the architectural and building techniques used in the defense system in the medieval town of Velbazhd.
The tower is a monument of national importance.
Address: 4 Kiril Tsonev Street, Kyustendil
Do you know that:
- in the period 1952 - 2010 in the theater of Kyustendil 323 plays by 190 authors were performed .
- with the help of Dimiter Peshev nearly 50,000 Jews were saved from sure death.
- the renowned composer and conductor Marin Goleminov is from Kyustendil.
