Bulgaria Inside

The village of Momina Tsurkva hides in the folds of Strandzha Mountain, eight km away from the border between Bulgaria and Turkey.

Momina Tsurkva is one of the numerous Strandzha villages that you have probably never heard of. Yet, if you want to explore the true mysticism of this Bulgarian region make sure to visit it. The village has long history dating back to 1618.

The name of the village is connected to a legend about the beautiful maiden Kalia. A local Ottoman ruler liked her and decided to purchase Kalia as his bride. People used the money to construct the village church. Kalia’s sacrifice provided villagers with sufficient amount of money. As a result the village was called Kazuklise, which in Turkish means maiden’s church (Momina Tsurkva in Bulgarian).

During the communist regime, the village was named Zheliazkovo after a regional activist of the Bulgarian Communist Party. In 1994, a presidential decree restored the old village name.

One of Momina Tsurkva’s biggest landmarks is the St. Paraskeva church. This is the sole cathedral preserved in the western part of Strandzha. The church features the unique architecture style of the Triavna school. It preserves valuable wall paintings and a richly decorated iconostasis.

If you want to sense its spirit, take a walk in Momina Tsurkva, learn about the village’s traditions or ask local craftsmen to show you how to make belts, bracelets and necklaces.