published on 23.10.2008, 17:02 Author: Svetla Ivanova Article rating:
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In 1973, St. Prorok Ilia Monastery in Gorna Oriahovitsa was named monument of culture of national importance.
The monastery was founded in the 13th century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. During the Ottoman conquest, it was burned down and abandoned.
Research of monastery remains began in the early 20th century. In 1908, excavation works were carried out and the foundations of the monastery’s church were found. Its dimensions were eight x four m. Walls that were nearly one m thick surrounded the complex. An icon of Virgin Mary, dating back to the 16th century was also discovered and can still be seen in the church today.
Gorna Oriahovitsa residents collected funds for monastery renovation. In 1937, the construction of a new church began over the ruins of the old sanctuary. Work ended the next year and the church started functioning on September 22 1940.
One year later, a bell was purchased from the Czech Republic. The church got its wall paintings in the 70s of the 20th century.
Mother Pelagia is the only person taking care of the monastery today. Yet, construction works never ceased. A new section was added to the complex. It sees numerous visits on Ilinden, July 20, as well as on weekends.
Visitors can discover peacefulness and harmony in the complex, away from everyday worries.
Gorna Oriahovitsa is a member of an international ecological movement. Since 1995, the church bell of the monastery rings on October 24 and 25 to warn people of ecological danger and the need to protect the Earth.
The monastery was founded in the 13th century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. During the Ottoman conquest, it was burned down and abandoned.
Research of monastery remains began in the early 20th century. In 1908, excavation works were carried out and the foundations of the monastery’s church were found. Its dimensions were eight x four m. Walls that were nearly one m thick surrounded the complex. An icon of Virgin Mary, dating back to the 16th century was also discovered and can still be seen in the church today.
Gorna Oriahovitsa residents collected funds for monastery renovation. In 1937, the construction of a new church began over the ruins of the old sanctuary. Work ended the next year and the church started functioning on September 22 1940.
One year later, a bell was purchased from the Czech Republic. The church got its wall paintings in the 70s of the 20th century.
Mother Pelagia is the only person taking care of the monastery today. Yet, construction works never ceased. A new section was added to the complex. It sees numerous visits on Ilinden, July 20, as well as on weekends.
Visitors can discover peacefulness and harmony in the complex, away from everyday worries.
Gorna Oriahovitsa is a member of an international ecological movement. Since 1995, the church bell of the monastery rings on October 24 and 25 to warn people of ecological danger and the need to protect the Earth.
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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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Gorna Oriahovitsa Monastery St. Prork Ilia