Stone by Stone: Heritage without borders
Between Montana and Pirot, the border has long been more of a formality than a real barrier. For years, the two municipalities have been building a partnership through joint initiatives, projects, and consistent investments in cultural and tourism infrastructure. It is precisely on this already established foundation that the project “Cultural and Historical Heritage of the Cross-Border Region as a Driver of Integrated Sustainable Tourism” (BGRS0200011 – CULTURolling STONES), with a total budget of over €1 million, co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia 2021–2027 Programme, is being developed.
At the heart of the project are two key sites – the “Kaleto” archaeological complex in Montana and the Kale Fortress in Pirot. In both cases, the activities build upon interventions launched during previous programming periods under the Bulgaria–Serbia Programme. This ensures that earlier efforts are not left isolated, but further developed through new activities that position the sites within a broader shared tourism route.
In Pirot, the Kale Fortress is gradually regaining its appearance, but now with a new role. The project includes the reconstruction of Tower I and Tower II, as well as the connecting fortress wall. Particular attention is being given to the restoration of the entrance gate – an element that plays an important role in the overall perception of the site.
The restored spaces will not remain merely architectural structures. Some of them will be adapted for exhibitions, presentation of local products, and tourist information, while Tower II will acquire new visitor-related functions. At the same time, archaeological research is being carried out, alongside the installation of the necessary electrical and mechanical systems, including heating, which will allow the site to be used throughout the year.
In Montana, the work is focused on the southeastern part of the “Kaleto” fortress, part of the ancient city of Montana. Restoration continues on fortress walls, buildings, and architectural elements around the entrance area, including a small church structure. All activities are being carried out in a way that preserves the authentic appearance of the complex as much as possible. Damaged sections are being reinforced and repaired, entrances and stairways restored, and missing parts completed with materials close to the original ones.
Alongside preserving the site, the aim is also to bring life back into these spaces. This is why the archaeological complex is being prepared to host cultural events – concerts, recitals, and historical reenactments that will turn the site into an active part of contemporary cultural life.
While previous projects focused mainly on preservation and restoration, the current one places emphasis on transforming cultural heritage into a comprehensive tourism product. This is where the idea for the digital application “Stone by Stone – Paths of the Fortresses” emerges, linking the sites in Montana and Pirot into one thematic route.
Through the application, visitors will not simply explore separate sites, but will be able to follow an entire route connecting history, culture, nature, and local traditions. The application will create opportunities for a more structured presentation of the region and for the gradual inclusion of additional locations from both sides of the border.
At the same time, the sites themselves will feature a web-based interactive audio-visual guiding system. Through mobile devices and accessible points on-site, visitors will be able to independently choose content, language, and routes while receiving information through audio, video, images, and text. The system will present historical facts, reconstructions, and context in a more accessible and engaging way, ensuring a meaningful visitor experience even without a physical guide.
An important part of the project is also the meetings and joint work between partners from both sides of the border. It is through this continuous exchange of experience, ideas, and solutions that a shared approach to regional development is being built. This is the part of the work that often remains unseen, yet proves essential for ensuring that what has been created continues to function long after the funding period ends.
The project is implemented through a partnership between four organisations from Bulgaria and Serbia. The lead partner is the City of Pirot, while the Municipality of Montana is the second partner. The Agency joins them for Development of Northwestern Bulgaria – Montana and the Ponišavlje Museum in Pirot. Together, they combine local governance, regional development expertise, and the experience of cultural institutions, allowing the project to be implemented both on the ground and with a long-term perspective.
With this project, visitors will be able to start at the fortress in Pirot, follow a well-developed route, and reach Montana while discovering other sites connected to a shared tourism line.
In this way, the region gradually begins to function as a single destination – a place where there is a reason to stay longer, see more, and return again.
