Bulgaria Inside

Sopot Convent Vuvedenie Bogorodichno is situated in the central part of the mountain town.

The convent was created in the 17th century.

Only Vuvedenie Bogorodichno church has been preserved from the original complex. It was the sole part of the convent that managed to survive a fire in 1877. The church is half-dug into the ground. It is one of two unique churches featuring the style. The second one is situated in the village of Dobursko. Pay close attention to the beautiful wall paintings.

The oldest grape vine in Southeastern Europe can be seen in the monastery yard.

Sopot’s convent was mentioned numerous times in the novels of famous Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov. Today it is still functional. The convent offers no food and accommodation but its location in the central part of Sopot makes it especially suitable for visits.

St. St. Peter and Pavel church is the work of craftsmen from Bratsigovo. The church is situated right next to the convent. Its construction dates back to 1846.

Ivan Vazov mentioned this church in his most famous work, the novel Under the Yoke. The church is a monument of culture.

A humble iconostasis and two rows of icons decorate the church. Wall painting remains can still be seen today. Some very valuable icons are protected separate from the rest.

Bulgaria’s liberation struggles led to the complete destruction of Sopot. The church was seriously damaged, as well. Fires destroyed its roof, the beautiful woodcarvings and the iconostasis.

The church was renovated in 1879. In 1900, craftsmen worked on the bell tower of St. St. Peter and Pavel.