Bulgaria Inside

Distance: 28 km
Type: one-day trip

Bachkovo Monastery is situated near Asenova fortress. It is probably one of the most popular religious tourism sites in the country.

A shopping alley will welcome you before reaching the monastery. Merchants sell all kinds of souvenirs and goods there.

The monastery hides in the folds of Rhodope Mountain and is one of the oldest on the Balkans.

Bachkovo Monastery was created in 1083. Like most other monasteries, it was destroyed several times. Renovation began in the 16th century and its church was constructed in 1604.

Until present, the church preserves its very old iconostasis.

Bachkovo Monastery has its miracle-making icon of Virgin Mary dating back to 1310. The icon can be seen right next to the church entrance.

The monastery garden is worth taking a look at. Some unusual plant species grow there.

Accommodation is possible in the monastery and its hotel part is equipped with 200 beds. It would be best to call in advance, especially during the summer season. Bachkovo Monastery is one of the 100 national tourist sites.