published on 15.05.2009, 15:10 Author: BulgariaInside Article rating:
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Ouspenie Bogorodichno Monastery near the town of Gabrovo is also known as Sokolski Monastery. It is situated 12 km southeast of the town and four km away from the ethnographic complex of Etura. An eco path connects the monastery and the complex and the walk lasts around two hours.
Scientists believe that the sanctuary was constructed in 1833. Monks moved there from Troyan Monastery. According to another hypothesis, a monastery already functioned there and underwent renovation in the 30s of the 19th century, when the monks moved there.
Monks constructed a small wooden church nearby a shallow cave. A residential building was set up nearby. Only one year after, both constructions were torn down and replaced with stone buildings. The monastery officially opened doors in 1834.
The residential part of the complex was constructed on the plateau above the cave. A school started functioning there.
A priest named Pavel and his son Nikolai created the church paintings. Other artists worked on it later on. The richness of styles shows that a number of revival period painters worked there.
One of the monastery’s biggest treasures is a fountain created in 1868 by the famous craftsman Koliu Ficheto. According to some theories, he also constructed the beautiful fence north of the church.
As most Bulgarian monasteries, Sokolski Monastery played active role in liberation struggles. Revolutionaries used it as a meeting point in 1876. Monastery chambers were used as a hospital during the Russo-Turkish War.
In 1959, the convent in Gabrovo was torn down and nuns moved to Sokolski Monastery. In the same year, the monastery turned into a chamber. Nuns brought icons and valuable relics that were placed in a small chapel in the north part of the monastery.
Today, an asphalt road leads to the monastery. The complex offers accommodation and a small restaurant functions nearby. Accommodation prices are insignificant. The yard is well maintained and enables visitors to fully relax. Tourists can combine a trip to the monastery with a visit to Etura and Gabrovo.
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Соколски манастир
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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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Sokolski (Gabrovski) Monastery