Bulgaria Inside

Pomorie Monastery St. Velikomuchenik Georgi Pobedonosets is situated 20 km away from the coastal city of Bourgas, in the town of Pomorie. This is the only functioning monastery in the southern part of Bulgaria and has been named a monument of culture.

According to historians, a chapel existed in the area back in the 7th century. The monastery was constructed in 1856. The Ottoman conquest led to the destruction of the sanctuary.

A rich merchant named Selim Bei settled there in the 19th century. Selim Bei was very sick. His servant had a dream one night. St. George told him about a healing spring. The servant found the place and a marble bas-relief of St. George. A spring flowed there and Selim Bei was cured.

The merchant decided to construct a small chapel in the area. He later accepted Christianity and donated all of his belongings to the monastery complex.

The present-day church was constructed in 1856 over the remains of the old sanctuary. Its 20-m high bell tower was added in 1966. No wall paintings appear in the church but it treasures some important icons of St. George, St. Mina and St. Nikolai. Unknown craftsmen worked on the altar. The bas-relief of St. George has also been preserved.

Apart from the healing water, the monastery is known for its excellent wine production. A three-day fair takes place there on St. George’s day, May 6.

The monastery is readily accessible, since it is situated in the central part of town, between the old and the new parts of Pomorie. Monks are welcoming and the sanctuary offers accommodation.