The municipality of Svilengrad has been inhabited since ancient times due to its favourable natural features and strategic geographical location - since the New Stone and Stone Age. The most significant traces are to be found in the Thracian tribe of Odrysi and the Romans. Evidences are: the tomb in the village of Mezek - one of the most monumental structures, repeatedly used for burials of Thracian aristocrats. The medieval fortress near the village of Mezek (11th - 12th centuries) served as a castle or was intended for permanent residence of the garrison and its commanders. And near the fortress of Bukelon ( 387) a great battle took place between the troops of Emperor Valens and the Goths, which ended with the complete defeat of the Roman army, and the emperor perished in the fight.
The rock churches near the village of Mihalich and the village of Matochina will take you to the times when monks and hermits dug their temples.