Bulgaria Inside

Lozen monastery St. Spas is situated near Sofia, four to five km away from the village of Dolni Lozen. The proximity to Sofia has turned the monastery into a favorite leisure spot for residents of the capital. The monastery is situated on the slopes of Lozenska Mountain and offers great view.

St. Spas was set up in the 11th to 12th centuries and was the easternmost of the monasteries in Sofia region. During the Ottoman conquest, the monastery was torn down. It underwent renovation works in the 17th century and acted as a calligraphy center and school. Since the monks participated in uprisings, the monastery was torn down once again in the 18th century.

A third renovation took place in 1821. A new church was constructed over the remains of the old sanctuary. The three domes distinguish it from the typical Orthodox architecture.

In 1868, painters Nikola Obrazopisov, Hristaki Zahariev and Dimitur Doupnichanin decorated the church walls and the domes. Paintings include both images of saints and of historic personalities, which makes the church one of a kind.

After the liberation, the monastery once again got its school. It turned into a convent in 1900.

Numerous visitors come to the monastery each day. In the past few years it underwent massive renovation works. Some of the wall paintings were also restored.

To reach the monastery, you need to follow an unpaved road. The alternative is a walk through Lozenska Mountain. St. Spas Monastery and the surrounding area are favorites of bikers and hikers.