Bulgaria Inside

The tall cliffs of Roiashko plateau in the region of Dzheneviz Kanara house one little known but quite impressive rock monastery complex.

The rock monastery is situated approximately two kilometers away from the village of Roiak. It is hardly accessible. The monk cells are carved at different heights in the rock.

According to researchers, the rock monastery initially functioned as a Thracian sanctuary. The sanctuary dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries. Christians started using the rock sanctuary during the Middle Ages.

Some writings were discovered in the hallway leading to the rock church. These writings mention the creation of the monastery and the names of Bulgarian tsars Mihail Asen and Ivan Alexander.

The monk cells can be reached via a set of rock stairs. The stairs lead to two arched rock niches, which are connected to each other.

According to experts, some of the numerous niches carved in the rock used to be covered by lids. Some believe that these functioned as tombs, where urns were placed.

If you want to visit the complex, you can use one of the two roads available. People in the village of Roiak will be glad to offer you directions, since you will find no information boards along the way.

To reach the monastery, it will be best to use an offroad vehicle. The easiest way to reach the cells will be taking a walk from the village of Roiak. The walk lasts 50 minutes.

The village of Roiak is situated about 65 km away from the coastal city of Varna and 70 km away from Shoumen.