published on 10.02.2010, 16:56 Author: Violet Farah Article rating:
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Gabrovitsa River flows through a picturesque meadow in the slopes of the middle part of Stara Planina Mountain. A wonderful spot for rest and for trying to get in touch with the spiritual is situated there. Sedemte Prestola (the seven altars) monastery is located 86 km away from Sofia and 50 km away from the town of Vratsa.
The monastery’s official name is Sveta Bogoroditsa but few people know it like that.
Historians believe that the monastery appeared during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. According to the legend, seven boyars or brothers settled there and founded the seven villages of Osenovlag, Ogoya, Ogradishte, Boukovets, Leskovdol, Zhelen and Lakatnik.
Architecture of the sanctuary’s church is unique on a global scale. Interior walls separate it into seven chambers acting as separate chapels. Each one has its own altar, giving the name of the monastery.
Apart from the structure, the church is well-known for its chandelier. Examine the detailed woodcarvings and paintings that decorate it.
Sultan Mahmoud ordered the destruction of the monastery in 1737. It was renovated after the Russo-Turkish war in 1769. A school started functioning in Sedemte Prestola in 1848.
The garden and inner yard of the sanctuary are beautiful. There, you can take a look at interesting species among which a century-old sequoia.
A bell tower treasures two bells dating back to 1799 and 1940.
Accommodation is offered there. Rooms have two and three beds. One of the setbacks is that one bathroom is available per floor. Many Sofia tourists enjoy the place, so it will be best to book your room in advance.
Some rules must be followed during your stay. Visitors are not allowed to go out of their rooms during the night. Alcohol consumption and noisy parties are forbidden.
A small restaurant welcomes visitors before they enter the monastery. The menu offers only few dishes and sometimes products are missing. Near the river, you can use a fireplace and prepare your own food. Take some food if you plan to stay in the monastery overnight, since the restaurant closes early.
The monastery’s official name is Sveta Bogoroditsa but few people know it like that.
Historians believe that the monastery appeared during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. According to the legend, seven boyars or brothers settled there and founded the seven villages of Osenovlag, Ogoya, Ogradishte, Boukovets, Leskovdol, Zhelen and Lakatnik.
Architecture of the sanctuary’s church is unique on a global scale. Interior walls separate it into seven chambers acting as separate chapels. Each one has its own altar, giving the name of the monastery.
Apart from the structure, the church is well-known for its chandelier. Examine the detailed woodcarvings and paintings that decorate it.
Sultan Mahmoud ordered the destruction of the monastery in 1737. It was renovated after the Russo-Turkish war in 1769. A school started functioning in Sedemte Prestola in 1848.
The garden and inner yard of the sanctuary are beautiful. There, you can take a look at interesting species among which a century-old sequoia.
A bell tower treasures two bells dating back to 1799 and 1940.
Accommodation is offered there. Rooms have two and three beds. One of the setbacks is that one bathroom is available per floor. Many Sofia tourists enjoy the place, so it will be best to book your room in advance.
Some rules must be followed during your stay. Visitors are not allowed to go out of their rooms during the night. Alcohol consumption and noisy parties are forbidden.
A small restaurant welcomes visitors before they enter the monastery. The menu offers only few dishes and sometimes products are missing. Near the river, you can use a fireplace and prepare your own food. Take some food if you plan to stay in the monastery overnight, since the restaurant closes early.
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Religious tourism is probably one of the most popular and attractive manners to discover a country. Bulgaria has to offer a wide range of religious tourism opportunities. The country has numerous sanctuaries, most of which have managed to stand the test of time. Monasteries and churches have been existing over the centuries, preserving the spirituality, culture and beliefs of Bulgarian. Their history is often turbulent and saturated with peaks and downfalls. Today, the country has much to show to the world. Each Bulgarian sanctuary preserves its stories, works of art and religious charge. This part of the website will provide you with more information about the Bulgarian religious sites and what you can expect from each visit.
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Sedemte Prestola Monastery