published on 25.11.2009, 13:09 Author: BulgariaInside Article rating:
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Arapovski Monastery St. Nedelia is situated eight km away from the Rhodope Mountain town of Asenovgrad. It is easy to find. From Asenovgrad, you need to head to Purvomai. Along the way, you will see directions to Arapovski Monastery.
The sanctuary is one of the few in Bulgaria that was constructed in a valley rather than in the mountain. It is also the only Christian sanctuary in the country constructed during the Ottoman rule.
St. Nedelia Monastery was constructed in the 19th century close to the village of Arapovo (today known as Zlatovruh). One of the legends told about it explain how the wife of the local Ottoman ruler was cured. The wife of Arap Bai had to drink water from the healing spring situated in the region. The thankful ruler allowed the construction of a Christian monastery there.
During Bulgarian liberation struggles, the monastery acted as shelter of Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski.
Monastery construction began in 1856. Residents of settlements in the area helped in the setting up and the painting of the sanctuary.
St. Nedelia church was constructed in 1859. Georgi Danchov-Zografina, aged only 18, worked on church paintings together with his teacher, Aleksi Atanasov.
Church wall paintings total over 150. Zografina even included scenes from the death and funeral of brothers St. Cyril and Methodius. Some of the wall paintings are very unusual and show saints in a lively manner, much different from typical church paintings.
A major earthquake in 1928 seriously damaged the church and the wall paintings.
Angel Voivoda’s tower is also part of the complex. The Bulgarian revolutionary was one of the people who donated large sums for the monastery’s construction. The tower is a three-level rectangular building.
The first two floors have small windows and were to use as defense during assaults. Living premises are situated on the third floor. Monastery visitors can be accommodated there today.
The healing spring still exists and flows close to the northern monastery gate. A chapel was constructed there initially.
Arapovski Monastery has its miracle-making icon of Virgin Mary. The artist who worked on it, drew Virgin Mary’s eyes in a manner that they seem to be following believers who enter the church. The icon is still positioned close to the southern gate,
The monastery offers accommodation. Tourists should know that accommodation is quite modest and all rooms make use of a single bathroom. It would be best to book a room in advance due to the significant interest.
The sanctuary is one of the few in Bulgaria that was constructed in a valley rather than in the mountain. It is also the only Christian sanctuary in the country constructed during the Ottoman rule.
St. Nedelia Monastery was constructed in the 19th century close to the village of Arapovo (today known as Zlatovruh). One of the legends told about it explain how the wife of the local Ottoman ruler was cured. The wife of Arap Bai had to drink water from the healing spring situated in the region. The thankful ruler allowed the construction of a Christian monastery there.
During Bulgarian liberation struggles, the monastery acted as shelter of Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski.
Monastery construction began in 1856. Residents of settlements in the area helped in the setting up and the painting of the sanctuary.
St. Nedelia church was constructed in 1859. Georgi Danchov-Zografina, aged only 18, worked on church paintings together with his teacher, Aleksi Atanasov.
Church wall paintings total over 150. Zografina even included scenes from the death and funeral of brothers St. Cyril and Methodius. Some of the wall paintings are very unusual and show saints in a lively manner, much different from typical church paintings.
A major earthquake in 1928 seriously damaged the church and the wall paintings.
Angel Voivoda’s tower is also part of the complex. The Bulgarian revolutionary was one of the people who donated large sums for the monastery’s construction. The tower is a three-level rectangular building.
The first two floors have small windows and were to use as defense during assaults. Living premises are situated on the third floor. Monastery visitors can be accommodated there today.
The healing spring still exists and flows close to the northern monastery gate. A chapel was constructed there initially.
Arapovski Monastery has its miracle-making icon of Virgin Mary. The artist who worked on it, drew Virgin Mary’s eyes in a manner that they seem to be following believers who enter the church. The icon is still positioned close to the southern gate,
The monastery offers accommodation. Tourists should know that accommodation is quite modest and all rooms make use of a single bathroom. It would be best to book a room in advance due to the significant interest.
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Religious tourism is probably one of the most popular and attractive manners to discover a country. Bulgaria has to offer a wide range of religious tourism opportunities. The country has numerous sanctuaries, most of which have managed to stand the test of time. Monasteries and churches have been existing over the centuries, preserving the spirituality, culture and beliefs of Bulgarian. Their history is often turbulent and saturated with peaks and downfalls. Today, the country has much to show to the world. Each Bulgarian sanctuary preserves its stories, works of art and religious charge. This part of the website will provide you with more information about the Bulgarian religious sites and what you can expect from each visit.
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Arapovski Мonastery