Fortress tzepina is located at a distance of several kilometers North-West of the Rhodope village of dorkovo. This fortress is one of the most famous attractions of this part of the Rhodope mountains. Tzepina is a conical elevation, the height above sea level 1,136 meters.

During archaeological excavations, researchers have discovered the ruins of the settlement of the Thracians, the foundations of churches, homes, cemetery and the Basilica. According to scientists, the fortress in its present form was built in the 11th-13th centuries.

In 1979 a study of the fortress was engaged scientist byzantologist from Russia. Them was discovered a marble relief, which depicts the apostles Peter and Paul. To date, this finding is in storage in St. Petersburg's Hermitage.

Historical sources report that in the fortress tzepina was the residence of despot Alexius, nephew of the Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan, who ruled from 1197 in 1207. In the 13th century Alexius Slav was the Keeper of the Rhodope mountains, at this time the mountain was called Lavieville. According to legend, the tyrant took to wife Isabella, daughter of the Emperor Henry. After the wedding, Isabella have led to the fortress, where she is impressed by the high mountains and dark rocks cried out in their native language, that there probably will be her grave. The mother of a despot, Tamara, not knowing the language Isabella, took the words daughter-in-law for his blessing and said, "Amen, God forbid! "Soon, Isabella fell ill and died. Dying wish of a young woman was the fact that her grave was on a nearby mountain peak, illuminated by the morning sun in the first place. After some time the residence Alexius was moved to Melnik.

Near the fortress of the hostel is "tzepina".