The fortress carved in the rock was the part of the ancient Rus defense complex, called Tustan. Today it belongs to the historical and architectural reserve «Tustan».
During the period of the Kievan Rus it became an important outpost of western borders and a customhouse of the state.
In ancient chronicles the fortress was mentioned as Tustan: the name appeared on the phrase «tut stan», that is — stop, show what you carry and pay a fee.