The Mezek fortress is the best-preserved medieval fortress in the Rhodopes. It was built in 11-12 century, and stands among the beautiful northeastern slopes of the mountain. It has the shape of a quadrangle with an area of 7 decares. One is especially impressed by its cylinder-shaped, 10-meter-tall protective towers, built along the wall. The fortress played a major part during the last centuries of the Bulgarian state before its conquering by the Turks. The most monumental and imposing Thracian tomb is situated nearby. It was built in the VIth century B.C., constructed of 2-meter-long stone blocks. The tomb consists of a main room with a stone bed and stone urns; two rectangular separate rooms, and a corridor. A number of unique golden decorations was found here, as well as bronze and clay objects.