Articles from category: Religious from bulgariainside.com

St. Dimitrii Basarbovski Rock Monastery

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:01:00 +0300

Basarbovski monastery is situated in the picturesque Roussenski Lom valley. It is located 10 km away from the town of Rousse and carries the name of a nearby village. Evidence of the monastery’s existence can be found in 15th century Ottoman chronicles. During the Ottoman presence, the monastery lost its inhabitants. A monk settled there and started restoring the monastery in 1937. A flood took place in 1940, destroying some of the sanctuary’s property. Donations helped monks add new living premises to the complex. Work was finalized on August 30 1940. The most famous resident of the monastery was St. Dimitrii Basarbovski. He was a simple man and led ascetic life. The saint lived in the mountain and died there. Many miracles occurred after his death and according to records, the remains of Dimtrii Basrabovski provided cure to many. St. Dimtrii...

Lozen Monastery St. Spas

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:28:00 +0300

Lozen monastery St. Spas is situated near Sofia, four to five km away from the village of Dolni Lozen. The proximity to Sofia has turned the monastery into a favorite leisure spot for residents of the capital. The monastery is situated on the slopes of Lozenska Mountain and offers great view. St. Spas was set up in the 11th to 12th centuries and was the easternmost of the monasteries in Sofia region. During the Ottoman conquest, the monastery was torn down. It underwent renovation works in the 17th century and acted as a calligraphy center and school. Since the monks participated in uprisings, the monastery was torn down once again in the 18th century. A third renovation took place in 1821. A new church was constructed over the remains of the old sanctuary. The three domes distinguish it from the typical Orthodox architecture. In 1868, painters Nikola Obrazopisov, Hristaki...

Roiak Village Rock Monastery

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:12:00 +0300

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...

St. Teodor Stratilat Monastery

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:51:00 +0300

St. Teodor Stratilat Monastery is situated 1.5 km away from the village of Balsha. The Sofia region village is close to the capital and suitable for weekend walks away from Sofia. An unpaved road leads to the monastery, diverting north from the Dobroslavtsi – Balsha road. The monastery itself is visible from a distance. According to some legends, St. Teodor Stratilat dates back to the 12th century, while historians believe it was created in the 14th century or later. Remains of old walls have been discovered in the region but excavation works have not taken place yet. In the end of the 19th century, only ruins from the monastery church remained. Walls were set up and nuns settled there. The monastery was once again abandoned in the middle of the 20th century. Renovation took place again in the 70s. The monastery saw its peak in modern times. Full renovation...

Aladzha Monastery

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:49:00 +0300

A rocky region situated 16 km away from the coastal city of Varna and near to Golden Sands resort preserves a sanctuary, the name of which means colorful in Turkish. Aladzha Monastery is one of the best-preserved rock sanctuaries in Bulgaria. The monastery has its long history. Numerous stories have been told about the creation and development of the monastery. According to the writings of some early Christian authors, Christianity spread to the region back in the 1st century. Historians claim that the monk cells were carved into the rocks during the 4th century. Evidence is insufficient to prove the claims that the monastery existed during that period. Probably before turning into monk cells, the caves in the rocks served as shelter for locals during barbarian assaults. It is certain that work on the monastery was finalized in the 12th century. Aladzha Monastery got...

New St. Petka Church, Plovdiv

Sun, 02 May 2010 16:54:00 +0300

The village of Epibata on the Sea of Marmara was the home place of St. Petka, who lived there in the 11th century. The saint wanted to dedicate herself to ascetic life. Upon the death of her parents, Petka donated all of their wealth. According to beliefs, her relics have healing power. The St. Petka cult spread to Bulgaria and Plovdiv residents decided to make the saint protector of their city. In the first days after the liberation from Ottoman rule, Plovdiv residents agreed to construct a church. The sanctuary has impressive size and architecture. It was constructed in three years. St. Petka’s construction is one of the few cases when all of the city elite joined a single project. Architect Dimitur Naumov worked on the plan. Outer decorations are simple. The bell tower is the most impressive part of the church. Petur Koushlev from Shiroka Luka worked on the...

Sopot Monastery St. Spas

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:08:00 +0300

A nice walk starting in the central part of Sopot will take you to St. Spas Monastery. You need to head to the first station of the Sopot lift. Ask locals for directions if you get confused which path to follow. The monastery is situated a kilometer north of Sopot, five km away from Karlovo and 19 km away from Kalofer. According to historians, St. Spas Monastery was founded in the 13th century and benefited from royal preferences. St. Spas was involved in cultural and revolutionary activities. On December 7 1858, the monastery became the site where Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski took holy orders. Copies of Istoria Slavianobulgarska (the first summarized Bulgarian history book) were made there. Revolutionary Todor Kableshkov created a secret Sopot committee in St. Spas. A school functioned alongside the monastery and a satirical newspaper was printed there. As many...

Dryanovski Monastery

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:22:00 +0300

St. Archangel Mihail monastery is also known as Dryanovski. It had a long and often sad history. The monastery is situated on the road from Dryanovo to Gabrovo within the limestone gorge of Dryanovska River. The brothers Assen and Petur probably founded the monastery during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The cloister was an important cultural and Christian center during the dark ages of the Ottoman period. It was devastated and rebuilt at different locations several times to ensure protection. The present day looks of the monastery were shaped in the 17th and the 19th centuries. During the struggle for national liberation in the 19th century Dryanovski Monastery was one of the most important spots in Bulgaria giving shelter to famous Bulgarian revolutionaries Vassil Levski and Georgi Izmirliev. After the liberation, a monument and a museum were built in the complex as well as a...

Kremikovtsi Monastery St. Georgi

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:01:00 +0200

The dome of Kremikovtsi Monastery’s church can be seen from a distance. St. George Monastery is situated three km south of Sofia’s district of Kremikovtsi, on the southern slope of Stara Planina Mountain. To reach the monastery, you need to follow the district’s main street. It turns into a smaller road and will lead you directly to the monastery’s parking lot. It has the capacity to accommodate buses and a big number of cars. The monastery was founded during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, probably under the reign of tsar Ivan Alexander. It quickly became one of the important religious centers in Sofia region. Ottomans conquered Bulgarian territories shortly after and according to some historic writings, the monastery was destroyed. It was renovated in 1493, a century later. According to another hypothesis, a local ruler lost his...

Chiprovtsi Monastery

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:23:00 +0200

Chiprovtsi Monastery St. Ivan Rilski is situated 30 km away from the town of Montana and five km away from Chiprovtsi. The monastery was constructed in the 10th century and for decades acted as a spiritual and cultural center. Since its creation, Chiprovtsi Monastery has been destroyed and burned down six times. Believers put significant effort and managed to restore the monastery each time. St. Ivan Rilski suffered heaviest destruction after the Chiprovtsi uprising in 1688. The sanctuary was robbed and its rich library was burned down. The monastery complex consists of a church, a residential building, a three-storey tower, a chapel and a bell tower. The tower acts as an ossuary where the remains of Bulgarians killed in the Chiprovtsi uprising are still protected. St. Ivan Rilski church is situated in the center of the monastery complex. Make sure to explore carefully...

Ivanovski Rock Monastery

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:53:00 +0200

Ivanovski rock monastery is one of the Bulgarian landmarks included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located 12 km south of the town of Rousse and four km away from the village of Ivanovo. The road leading to it is in good condition and signs will direct you to the monastery. At a height of 32 m, in the rocks above the ground, monks from the 13th century found a place suitable for their purposes. All churches, chapels and living premises have been carved in the rocks. Only few have been preserved till present day. Yet, the monastery used to be an intricate network of nearly 40 churches and 300 living premises. The Dobroudzha region has several other monasteries carved inside rocks. Ivanovski monastery differentiates itself through the unbelievable frescoes. Only few remained intact because time and treasure hunters managed to damage the rest. Five of the...

Vrachesh Monastery St. Forty Martyrs

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:59:00 +0200

One of the most beautiful monasteries in the west part of Stara Planina Mountain is Vrachesh Monastery St. Forty Martyrs. It is situated on the bank of Cheshkovitsa River, five km away from the village of Vrachesh and 10 km away from Botevgrad. Vrachesh Monastery was constructed during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom to honor the victory of tsar Ivan Asen II near Klokotnitsa. The monastery was turned into a convent in 1937 and has been functioning as such ever since. Monks from the Vrachesh Monastery worked actively on the preservation of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage. Once the monastery was founded, monks started copying religious books, some of which are preserved today in St. St. Cyril and Methodius library in Sofia. The monastery was destroyed and renovated several times. In the 14th century it was partially burned during an Ottoman assault. A second assault during...

Sedemte Prestola Monastery

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:56:00 +0200

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...

St. Peter and Pavel Church and the Sopot Convent

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:55:00 +0200

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...

Chourilovski Monastery St. Georgi

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:35:00 +0200

Tourist guides have little to say about Chourilovski Monastery St. Georgi. You can only learn that the sanctuary is situated 200 km away from Sofia, 25 km away from Petrich and 2.5 km away from the village of Chourilovo. Once you leave Petrich, on your way look for a sign towards the village of Gega. You might meet border police since the monastery is situated close to the border between Bulgaria and Macedonia. Before reaching Gega, you will pass through Portata (the gate). This is a natural phenomenon formed of rocks on the two sides of the road. In Gega, look for the unpaved road that will take you to the monastery. Approaching the sanctuary, you will notice a big stone wall. In the yard of the monastery you will be able to hear only the songs of the birds and the lack of any human presence. The highest part of the hill hosts the monastery’s bell tower...

Rozhen Monastery

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:45:00 +0200

Rozhen monastery is the biggest sanctuary in the Pirin region and the second biggest in the country after the Rila monastery. It is one of the few middle age monasteries that have been preserved till present days. The monastery is situated in the lower part of Pirin Mountain, one km southwest of the village of Rozhen and 2.5 km away from the town of Melnik. According to historic accounts, the monastery was created in 890. St. Rozhdestvo Bogoridchno church later on gave its name to the village of Rozhen. During the reign of tsar Kaloyan, the monastery was expanded. In the 17th century it burned down and in the 18th century was renovated using funds provided by the Bulgarians in the region. Reconstruction began in 1715 and ended in 1732. Most of the wall paintings were created during that time. Paintings from 1597, 1611, 1715 and 1732 were preserved as well. Rozhen...

Dragalevtsi Monastery

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:20:00 +0200

St. Bogoroditsa of Vitosha monastery is located very close to Sofia. It is situated only three km south of Dragalevtsi residential district, among the hills of Vitosha Mountain. A car ride to the monastery from the center of the city will take you only half an hour but be cautious since signs and road marks are missing. The mountain path from Dragalevtsi to the monastery will lead you to the final destination within half an hour of walking. It is quite easy to get to the cloister and you will be surprised by the peace and calmness you will find there. The monastery was founded in 1345 and survived the Ottoman invasion. The church was renovated once and during the 17th century, some more decorations were added. During the Ottoman period, the cloister was an important spiritual and cultural center with its monastery school. One of the abbots – Genadii, was a close...

Troyan Monastery

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:56:00 +0200

The majestic Stara Planina Mountain houses the old Troyan monastery. Yet, this beautiful spot has lost some of its charm due to the commercial goals of merchants. They managed to turn the monastery into a tourism attraction. Still, the monastery kept some of its charm and authenticity. Troyan monastery is situated 10 km away from the town of Troyan. A good road leads to it and public transportation from Troyan is available. Ouspenie Bogorodichno monastery has its miracle-making icon. Sveta Bogoroditsa Troerouchitsa is kept in the monastery since the 13th century. It was previously kept in Serbia. According to historians, the monastery was constructed during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It expanded several times. In 1866, the monastery got its unique tower. In the past, the tower had decorations and parts of the drawings have been preserved on the second floor. Though...

Arapovski Мonastery

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:09:00 +0200

Arapovski Monastery St. Nedelia is situated eight km away from the Rhodope Mountain town of Asenovgrad. It is easy to find. From Asenovgrad, you need to head to Purvomai. Along the way, you will see directions to Arapovski Monastery. The sanctuary is one of the few in Bulgaria that was constructed in a valley rather than in the mountain. It is also the only Christian sanctuary in the country constructed during the Ottoman rule. St. Nedelia Monastery was constructed in the 19th century close to the village of Arapovo (today known as Zlatovruh). One of the legends told about it explain how the wife of the local Ottoman ruler was cured. The wife of Arap Bai had to drink water from the healing spring situated in the region. The thankful ruler allowed the construction of a Christian monastery there. During Bulgarian liberation struggles, the monastery acted as shelter of Bulgarian...

Krustova Gora

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:31:00 +0200

Few Christian sites in Bulgaria attract as many visitors as Krustova Gora (Holy Cross Forest) does. The region gained significant popularity over the past 10 years. Krustova Gora is situated in the very heart of the Rhodope Mountains. Dense pine forests surround the area. Its history began in the 17th century, when a small monastery complex was constructed there. Today the complex includes Pokrov na Sveta Bogoroditsa and Sveta Troitsa churches, as well as 15 chapels. The region is located 60 km away from Plovdiv and six km away from the village of Borovo. The winding road will take you to an altitude of 1545 m, where the holy place is located. A legend describes the creation of the monastery complex. In 1933, a man named Iordan Driankov arrived in Borovo. According to locals, he had visions. One of the visions involved a holy place, where a monastery used to exist. The...

Rila Monastery

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:57:00 +0200

Rila monastery is considered one of Bulgaria’s symbols for a reason. Its magic comes from the scale and architecture, as well as the spiritual feel that the place projects. The white monastery walls, hidden between the old Rila pines make the place one of a kind. The monastery was constructed in the 10th century and turned into a spiritual center right from the start. Today, it is one of the biggest and richest monasteries in the country. Reaching Rila monastery from Sofia is easy. Since the monastery is located near the town of Blagoevgrad, you could explore both in the same day. Accommodation there is possible if you decide to spend more time exploring the region. The monastery has a museum, a tower, its own kitchen and a huge yard. Many revolutionaries hid there in the past. The relics of St. Ivan Rilski were placed in the monastery. The saint decided to spend...

St. 40 Martyrs Church

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:39:00 +0200

One of the most famous medieval churches that still preserves Bulgarian history is located in the old capital of Veliko Turnovo. St. 40 Martyrs church is located in the foot of Tsarevets hill, on the bank of Iantra River. The church was constructed to honor the victory of tsar Ivan Asen II over Theodor Komnin in 1230. The church is an elongated basilica containing six columns. Later on, an outerhouse was constructed by the western church wall. Probably a monastery was constructed around the church in the end of the 12th century. In the beginning of the 13th century, the graveyard of the church was used by the Bulgarian tsars from the Asen dynasty. St. 40 Martyrs served the royal family by the fall of Turnovo under Ottoman rule. It was then turned into a mosque. As paradoxical as it sounds, the conversion of the church into a mosque preserved it until present day. After...

St. Dimitur Church

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0200

The medieval church St. Dimitur in Veliko Turnovo is connected to one of the most important moments of Bulgarian history, namely the rebellion of brothers Asen and Petur. In 1185, the church witnessed the announcement of the rebellion against the Byzantine rule. According to a legend, St. Dimitur himself came to Turnovo to help Bulgarians in their freedom struggle. St. Dimitur church is situated in the foot of Tsarevets fortress, on the bank of Iantra River. This is the oldest precisely dated church in Veliko Turnovo. The exterior decorations of this church make it extremely beautiful and are worth paying close attention to. The walls were constructed using stone, bricks and mortar. St. Dimitur witnessed the crowning of Bulgarian tsars and acted as a royal church. By the end of the 12th century, a monastery complex was constructed around the church. Its remains were...

Cherepish Monastery

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:36:00 +0300

Do you know where the favorite terrace of Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov is located? It is part of a sanctuary set up right next to Iskur River. The sanctuary is called Cherepish Monastery Ouspenie Bogorodichno. The monastery is located in the Iskur gorge, 95 km away from Sofia and 11 km away from Mezdra. Cherepish Monastery was founded during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom under the reign of tsar Ivan Shishman. During the Ottoman reign, the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Bulgaria’s revival period saw the monastery’s transformation into cultural and spiritual center. While Bulgaria’s socialism reign lasted, Cherepish Monastery housed the Sofia seminary. Magnificent rocks featuring carved in caves surround the monastery. The entire complex seems to be untouched by time. The church has preserved its 1612 looks. Make sure to...

Divotino Monastery

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:56:00 +0300

Divotino Monastery Holy Trinity (Sveta Troitsa) is situated two km southwest of the Bankia’s Mihailovo district. It was founded in the 11th century. According to a legend, a man and a woman founded the monastery after they discovered a treasure buried in their yard. Until present, the place where the treasure was found carries the name Imaneto (the treasure in Bulgarian). Assaults in 1806 led to the destruction of the monastery. According to a legend, the leader of a gang attacking the region was thunderstruck in the vicinities of the monastery. Divotino Monastery has also been called ‘the royal monastery’ since Bulgarian ruler Ferdinand often visited it during his reign. Only the wooden iconostasis and three icons have been preserved from the original monastery. A miracle-making icon can also be seen. The church and the monastery premises...

Albotinski Rock Monastery

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:10:00 +0300

In the region between the Vidin villages of Gradets and Rabovo you will discover a rock monastery carrying the name Albotinski. The monastery was created in naturally formed rock cavities and is situated at a height of 25 m. additional chambers were carved into the rocks in order to shelter the monks. Though it is constructed in the rocks, Albotinski Monastery is easily accessible. A steep mountain path leads to it. Scientists discovered 29 Christian graves in the area. Some of these still bear signs of wall paintings and writings. The findings make archaeologists believe that the monastery existed back in the 14th century. Albotinski Monastery consists of eight premises. Each one of them led to the monastery terrace, which stood 25 m above a river. The monastery church was situated in the deepest chamber. Monks prayed there and masses were held. The monastery has a...

Russian Church St. Nikolai Choudotvorets

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:49:00 +0300

One of the most outstanding buildings in Sofia is the church St. Nikolai Choudotvorets (the miracle maker). It is more commonly known as the Russian church. The church is situated on the crossing of Rakovski Street and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard. Russian emigrants provided funds for the construction of the church. Work lasted nine years and ended in 1913. M. Preobrazhenski, well-known at the time, worked on the church’s architecture. The style resembles Moscow churches from the 17th century. Russian artists worked on the wall paintings. The same painters created the drawings in Alexander Nevski cathedral and the church of St. Nedelya. St. Nikolai’s iconostasis is one of a kind in Bulgaria. In 1994, the church underwent renovation. Since recently, it offers Sunday classes. Children go there to draw, sing and create small souvenirs sold for charity

Gorna Bania Monastery St. St. Cyril and Methodius

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:27:00 +0300

Gorna Bania Monastery St. St. Cyril and Methodius is hidden in the folds of Liulin Mountain. The sanctuary is also called Liulin Monastery because of its proximity to the mountain. The complex is easily accessible. It is located only a few km away from the Sofia district of Gorna Bania. You have to head to the district’s villa zone. Once you pass it, turn left. According to historic evidence, the monastery appeared in the 15th century. Its history is connected to the activities of Serbian king Stefan Uros II Milutin. According to a legend, the relics of the ruler were moved to the complex. You can learn more about that story in the monastery church. During the Ottoman rule, the monastery was burned down and renovated several times. Gorna Bania residents decided to construct a church and a residential building. In 1872, the complex is visited by revolutionary Vasil...

St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, Veliki Preslav

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:16:00 +0300

While taking a walk in the beautiful Veliki Preslav complex, make sure to head towards St. Cyril and Methodius cathedral. The cathedral was constructed to commemorate 1000 years since the death of St. Methodius and the acceptance of Christianity in the Bulgarian state. It was later decided that the sanctuary will commemorate 1000 years since the reign of Bulgarian tsar Simeon. Construction works were finalized in 1926. Om 1927, when 1000 years since the reign of tsar Simeon were marked, the church was officially sanctified. St. Cyril and Methodius church is situated in one of the most peaceful parts of Veliki Preslav complex. An old pine forest hides the church in its heart. A rest spot and the complex’s parking lot are also situated nearby. In 1993, the church was entirely renovated to commemorate 1100 years since the finding of Veliki Preslav.

St. Nikolai Church, Toutrakan

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:28:00 +0300

While walking in Toutrakan’s unique fishermen’s district, a one of a kind ethnographic complex, make sure to explore St. Nikolai church. Church construction started in 1827 thank to the financial contributions of Toutrakan residents. According to a legend, the sanctuary was constructed after the sultan gave his secret permission. St. Nikolai church was sanctified on July 14 1865. Like most Bulgarian sanctuaries, the Toutrakan church has long and troublesome history. It was plundered during the first Romanian occupation of 1913. All religious writings in Bulgarian were burned down and priests were chased away. St. Nikolai impresses with its magnificent architecture. The sanctuary was renovated in 2003 as part of Beautiful Bulgaria project. Wood carvings inside the church, the iconostasis and wall paintings show the best of the Triavna school of arts....

St. Velikomuchenik Georgi Church, Lesidren

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:50:00 +0300

The church named St. Velikomuchenik Georgi in the village of Lesidren dates back to 1859 when the sultan gave his permission for the construction of a Christian sanctuary. Its authentic looks have been preserved till present day. A school functioned alongside the church but was reconstructed after it was burned down. St. Velikomuchenik Georgi was named a monument of culture in 1976. Craftsmen used only stones in the construction. Volunteers brought stones from an area near the village. The church foundations are one to two m deep. According to historic writings, church construction lasted three to four years. The church appeared in the center of the village, right across the Ottoman administrative building. During that period, Lesidren had 200 houses. Two twin brothers from Triavna worked on the church construction. Both of them were students of famous craftsman Koliu...

Sveta Troitsa Cathedral in Gabrovo

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:11:00 +0300

One of the most beautiful churches in Gabrovo is called Sveta Troitsa (Holy Trinity). The church is situated in the central part of town and is part of the revival period triangle formed by the Clock Tower, Dechkova house and the church itself. Sveta Troitsa’s history began in 1804 when a small church appeared where the cathedral is today. It existed until 1879 when the construction of a bigger church began. Ousta Gencho Novakov was the craftsman responsible for church construction. Work continued 10 years but the result is a masterpiece of Bulgarian revival-period architecture. The newly constructed church started functioning on November 5 1889. The church impresses with its size and central dome supported by four columns. Its interior is also breath-taking. The church is known for its beautiful icons and library that contains some unique religious publications....

St. Dimitur Cathedral in Stara Zagora

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:49:00 +0300

One of Stara Zagora’s landmarks is St. Dimitur cathedral. The church is situated on 1 Pop Bogomil street and is the oldest Christian temple in the town. The cathedral was constructed from 1859 to 1861. During the Ottoman reign over Bulgaria, it was known as the priest’s house. It acted both as a church and as a school. Gradually, a district formed around the priest’s house. All events connected to the historic development of Stara Zagora somehow involve St. Dimitur. Wall paintings in the church are unusually interesting. They contradict church doctrines and present individuals that played important roles in Stara Zagora historic events. These pictures tell the story of revolutionary Vassil Levski and the manner in which Bulgarians welcomed Russian soldiers during the Russo-Turkish war. The paintings were created during the renovation of the...

Gabrovo's Ouspenie Bogorodichno Church

Tue, 26 May 2009 16:01:00 +0300

In the very heart of Gabrovo you will see a beautiful bridge over Iantra River. This is also the location of Ouspenie Bogorodichno church. Back in 1865, funds were donated for the construction of a new church. Ousta Gencho Kirov was the craftsman responsible for the construction. He was a student of famous Bulgarian builder Kolio Ficheto. Ouspenie Bogorodichno church was constructed in 1865. It officially opened doors on October 26 1866. The church is made of stone and features two domes and two sets of stone columns. Ousta Gencho Kolev was also responsible for the stone decorations on the walls. The iconostasis is wood carved in 1885. It is considered one of the masterpieces of revival-period art in Bulgaria. Near the church you will find St. Petka Gabrovska chapel. St. Petka is the patron saint of Gabrovo.

Sokolski (Gabrovski) Monastery

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:10:00 +0300

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...

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:40:00 +0300

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church is situated on Pleven’s very entrance where the road to Lovech passes. An empty space existed there seven to eight years ago. Now, a beautiful church featuring intriguing architecture has appeared. The church is one of the biggest Catholic sanctuaries in the country. Its overall area is 1100 sq m. Each detail carries deep symbolism. The foundations and columns are cross-shaped. If explored from above, the church is cross-shaped, as well. A statue group at the entrance of the church carries additional symbolism. It represents Virgin Mary and the three shepherd children from Fatima. The composition is the work of Pleven artist Kiril Meskin and was donated to the Catholic church. White marble was used in the making to symbolize purity and innocence. Virgin Mary’s figure alone weighs nearly three tons. According to the...

Ouspenie Bogorodichno Church in Kurdzhali

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:25:00 +0300

Ouspenie Bogorodichno church in the town of Kurdzhali is one of the most visited landmarks in the country. Several reasons are responsible for the high interest. One of them is the fact that Father Boian Saruev, one of the main Christian activists in the Rhodope region, manages this sanctuary. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Kurdzhali region village of Dzhebiroglar was the home of a woman named Kalina Kehaiova. She had a dream of Virgin Mary. In the dream, Kehaiova learned that a church should be constructed near the village and shared the dream with other village residents. Nobody paid attention to her words. Kehaiova had the dream several times and finally learned that Virgin Mary will give other village residents a sign. People discovered an icon, once they started digging in the area. A healing spring was uncovered later on. Villagers believed Kehaiova and constructed...

St. Athanasius Chirpan Monastery

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:43:00 +0300

St. Athanasius, also known as Chirpan or Zlatnolivadenski Monastery, is situated on a picturesque hill near the Chirpan region village of Zlatna Livada. The monastery complex includes a church that was reconstructed in 1961, a cave and a well known for its healing power, old buildings from 1840 that have not undergone renovation and new constructions built in 1979. Stara River separates the cave from the monastery complex. As in the case of many other monasteries, St. Athanasius used to be a shelter of Bulgarian revolutionaries among which Vasil Levski. Zlatnolivadenski Monastery was founded during the Roman period, in 344 AD. St. Athanasius the Great settled there. He decided to live in a cave to save locals from epidemics and heretical propaganda. The saint told people to build a church next to the cave in order to be safe from the epidemics. Since this came true, many...

St. Ivan Letni Church

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:06:00 +0300

St. Ivan Letni church is situated on the eastern coast of Pchelina dam, also known as Lobosh. The dam is located next to the village of Kovachevtsi in the region of Radomir. The church has been named a monument but is nothing unuSsual by itself. What makes the church unique is its location, making each visitor sense the aura of this place. The distance from Sofia is 40 to 50 km. You have to head in the Kyustendil direction and to find a road diversion six kilometers after Radomir. Take the road to the village of Potsurnentsi to reach the dam. The road there is unpaved. You will notice the church from a distance. It has been constructed at a place that locals call Pchelin Kamuk. The cliff rises above its surroundings. St. Ivan Letni has been constructed on the edge of this rock. St. Ivan Letni, as Bulgarians call him, is the patron of the church. The building was set up as...

Alexander Nevski Church, Bakadzhika

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:03:00 +0300

Everyone knows that Alexander Nevski cathedral is situated in Sofia. But few people have heard about Alexander Nevski church in Yambol’s region of Bakadzhika. The church there was constructed to honor the memory of Bulgarian and Russian soldiers who died in the Bulgarian liberation struggles. General Mihail Skobelev gave the idea for the construction of the church. He settled in the region, together with his soldiers in the end of 1878. Skobelev and town residents decided to construction the church on Bakadzhitsite hill, where a monastery used to exist in the past. The church was named after Russian tsar Alexander II, often called ‘the Liberator.’ Alexander Nevski had always been a patron of the Russian tsar and the name came naturally. The church has length of 16.7 m and width of 5.2 m. It has a separate section for women, constructed following...

Kabile Monastery Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:34:00 +0300

Kabile Monastery or Rozhdestvo na Bogoroditsa is situated six km away from Iambol in the region of Kabile archaeology preserve. A wide, empty valley will catch your eye shortly before reaching Kabile. The monastery is located right there. The monastery has ancient history. Legends tell that in the fourth and fifth centuries a monastery existed there and was well known for a healing spring flowing there. Kabile Monastery became a convent and acted as such until the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century. Ottoman soldiers came to the region in search of a treasure. They failed finding any and in their rage destroyed the monastery. For many years people forgot about the monastery. Yet, legends of the healing spring were still told. In 1898, a man from a nearby village had a dream in which a woman showed him the healing spring. The man started digging and discovered it. Quarrels...

St. Petka Church in Balsha Village

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:32:00 +0200

St. Petka church is situated only a few minutes of walk away from the center of the village of Balsha. The village is located in the Sofia region, nine to 10 km away from the capital city. The ancient sanctuary is situated right next to a new church that was constructed in 1920. The domes can be noticed from a distance. According to archaeologists, the old church was constructed in the 14th century. Today, only its ruins remain but are still an interesting site. Parts of the walls have been preserved. Its dimensions of eight x six meters rank it as a small church. In front of the entrance, you can spot the remains of walls that in the past formed a hallway. The entire church was painted, unfortunately most of the wall paintings are in terrifying condition. One of the corners features grave crosses dating back to the revival period. A shelter has been constructed over the...

St. Ivan Rilski Church in Bourgas

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:55:00 +0200

If you happen to be visiting the city of Bourgas and are interested in its landmarks, make sure to visit St. Ivan Rilski church. It is situated right next to the Bourgas Free University. The church is not among the famous tourism landmarks in the town, yet it has its long history. Construction began during Bourgas expansion after the liberation of Bulgaria. Immigrants from Macedonia arrived and settled there. Revival activist Alexander Georgiev Kodzhafaliata donated to the homeless immigrants 600 plots and one plot for the construction of the church. Work began on July 7 1933 and ended on April 1 1934. The church is rather small but its hallway is 7.5 m long and 4.2 m wide. Iconostasis was made during the construction works themselves. Icons were made by professor Nikolai Kozhouharov. Wooden parts lack decorations so that focus is placed on the beautiful icons. A...

Surp Hach Armenian Church in Bourgas

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:45:00 +0200

Armenian church Surp Hach, or Holy Cross, is situated in the central part of the coastal city of Bourgas. Surrounded by green trees, it is located on 13 Lermontov street. The church appears tiny, yet it carries memories from the past and gives visitors a sense of peacefulness and tranquility. Surp Hach is one of the oldest Orthodox sanctuaries in the city. A date has been carved on a rock inside the church. The carving says ‘1853.’ According to historians, a chapel existed before the church was constructed. Some documents point out that the church was constructed in 1808. The sanctuary was situated in the exact same place and was made of wood and stone. It carried the name St. Virgin Mary. The current name was given in 1853. Surp Hach features typical Armenian architecture. Visitors today cannot get a sense of the old construction, since the church...

Plovdiv's St. Dimitur Church

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:32:00 +0200

According to archaeologists, construction of St. Dimitur church in the city of Plovdiv began during the reign of tsar Ivan Asen, right after the battle of Klokotitsa in 1230. Bulgarians constructed the church to honor St. Dimitur since they believed St. Dimitur came to aid and to protect them. According to the legend, tsar Ivan Asen had a vision in which St. Dimitur appeared as his protector. The place from the vision of the ruler was selected as the location of St. Dimitur church. Information about the exact history of the church is missing but it was destroyed and reconstructed several times. The current church was set up in 1830 to 1838. As the majority of Bulgarian churches, St. Dimitur is elongated and has dimensions of 28 x 19 m. It has been separated in three parts and features two rows of marble columns. Ornaments decorate the columns and the arches of the church....

Mihalich Rock Church

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:57:00 +0200

The rock church near the Haskovo region village of Mihalich has been carved into a limestone cliff. It has been constructed in a manner as if regular building materials have been used. Constructors put so much effort in making the church appear as a regular construction that they carved a dome of diameter 5.5 m. Its height is six m. The church features other architecture elements, typical for regular constructions. It appears as if the dome is supported by columns. A cross has been carved and the walls feature no other images. Floor has been made over the stone. A thin lair of soil was placed. Pieces of early medieval ceramics can be discovered near the church. Several sanctuaries from various time periods have been found nearby. The Mihalich rock church is differentiated from all other rock churches in Bulgaria because of its complex architecture and shape. Water is...

Haskovo's St. Bogoroditsa Church

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:09:00 +0200

In the beginning of the 19th century, the town of Haskovo had only a small church, which was insufficient for the residents of the town. Rich merchants decided to build a bigger and more beautiful church. After persistent pleas, the sultan permitted the construction of the new church. Construction began in 1832 and ended in 1837. Large amount of money was used and people from nearby villages came to help Haskovo constructors. Bulgarians in the region united. St. Bogoroditsa church was important part of the Bulgarian religious revival. A number of patriots aided its construction. Apart from its size, the church brags beautiful decorations. Most of the interior is covered in woodcarvings and few wall paintings. The icons date to the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.

Ouspenie Bogorodichno Church

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:38:00 +0200

One of the oldest churches in Bulgaria is called Ouspenie Bogorodichno and is situated in the village of Ouzondzhovo. The church was constructed around 1500. During the Ottoman rule, it was torn down and a mosque replaced it in 1593. Part of the mosque fence is still preserved. In 1906, the Turkish embassy returned the plot to Bulgaria and the construction of a church began. The iconostasis is nearly nine m high and 14 m wide. It is the biggest iconostasis created in the studio of Triavna’s Ousta Darin Bozhkov. Bozhkov was named best craftsman by the Triavna guild in 1804. Various iconostasis elements have been made from different types of wood. Some of the old icons in the church have undergone restoration. The old iconostasis has been preserved as a cultural layer underneath the new one.

Goliamoboukovski Monastery

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:16:00 +0200

Goliamoboukovski Monastery is situated three km away from the village of Goliamo Boukovo, in the heart of Strandzha Mountain. The village is located 58 km away from the coastal city of Bourgas. The sanctuary is the only monastery functioning in the Strandzha region. According to legends, the monastery was constructed over the remains of a Thracian sanctuary. Some historians believe that the Paroriyski Monastery existed there in the 13th and 14th centuries. Goliamoboukovski Monastery was constructed by a village person, who had a dream of Virgin Mary. She showed him the exact place. The person had been ill for a long time but was cured when he discovered the place from his dream and washed himself in the spring flowing there. The monastery experienced reconstruction in 1887. In 1903, it turned to be a major landowner. New premises and a mill were constructed but only ruins...

St. Petka Church in Plovdiv

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:42:00 +0200

Mouradie mosque was later on constructed at the place of the cathedral. Bulgarians decided to move the church to the old part of town and this is how St. Petka appeared. A number of theories explain who the church was named after. Greeks honor a saint by the same name and several disputes have taken place throughout time. In the 80s of the 20th century the church was closed down and neglected. Only older people kept the memories of it alive. In recent years, St. Petka saw renewal. The church is situated near Ponedelnik Pazar and you can find it, following the steep stairs in the old part of town. It appears as if emerging from the rocks. Church foundations were made of brick and stone and thick stone walls surround them. Two small windows were made in the western wall. The bell tower has several rectangular apertures. An icon of Jesus was placed over its entrance....

Pleven's St. Nikolai Church

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:54:00 +0200

St. Nikolai Mirikliyski Choudotvorets church is one of the few revival period monuments of national importance that is situated in Pleven. In the 13th century, a small chapel was constructed at the spot by merchants who visited Pleven often. Several assaults resulted in the burning down of the chapel. Pleven residents decided to construct a new church in 1699. They received a permission from the sultan and construction ended on October 18 1834. St. Nikolai church turned into a center for religious and national independence struggles. Revolutionaries and enlightenment activists found shelter there. The church features architecture typical for the revival period. An iconostasis was placed in its eastern part. Woodcarvings and the stall were created between 1843 and 1845. Historians have found some evidence about the icon painters in Sofia’s St. St. Cyril and...

St. Troitsa Church in Pleven

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:41:00 +0200

The setting up of Pleven’s St. Troitsa church started in 1893. Partial construction took place in 1898 and all work was officially finalized in 1913. Columns that support the church date back to the Roman period. St. Troitsa features the typical Eastern Orthodox architectural style. The church is one of the biggest sanctuaries in Pleven. Four priests take care of the needs of all believers. St. Troitsa has its church choir. The church is open for visits each day from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm.

St. Paraskeva Church in Pleven

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:47:00 +0200

St. Paraskeva church is situated in the central part of Pleven, near Danail Popov boulevard. In 1850, people from Maniova district managed to collect donations and to construct a small church named St. Petka-Paraskeva. A school was set up and started functioning alongside the church in 1858. Trade and commerce expanded the town and the need for a bigger church grew. In a few months, religious authorities from Pleven managed to obtain the needed permission from the sultan. Construction began on May 4 1870 and ended in 1872. A beautiful new sanctuary was constructed at the site of the old church. The church has two premises and a central part. Various craftsmen provided the icons as presents to the church. Artist Gospodin Serbezov worked on the wall paintings. St. Paraskeva church is open for visits each day from 7 am to 7 pm.

St. Ludwig Cathedral

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:13:00 +0200

Bulgaria accepted the Orthodox faith, but before that tsar Boris carried out talks to decide whether it would be more appropriate to accept Catholicism. Tsar Kaloian later on addressed the Vatican, but Bulgaria still remained a Christian Orthodox country. The Catholic church in Bulgaria saw its first expression in 1565. Chiprovo uprising, the first organized attempt to overthrow Ottoman rule, happened because of the efforts of Bulgarian Catholics. One of the biggest Catholic churches in the country is St. Ludwig in Plovdiv. The cathedral was constructed by a Roman architect, one of the best in the sphere of gothic architecture. Its foundations were laid in 1858 and the church opened doors on March 25 1861. According to a legend, a small house existed at the exact same location three centuries earlier. Believers used to gather there. Other documents show that a...

Pomorie Monastery St. George Pobedonosets

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:21:00 +0200

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...

German Monastery St. Ivan Rilski

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:41:00 +0200

German Monastery St. Ivan Rilski is situated only five km southeast of the village of German, Sofia region. A sign will guide you to monastery right before you enter the village. The road is quite good and ends in front of the sanctuary. The monastery carries the name of St. Ivan Rilski, who was especially revered in Sofia region. It was constructed in the 10th century and features among the oldest sanctuaries in Bulgaria today. According to a legend, St. Ivan Rilski lived in the region for a little while, after which he settled in Rila. Remains of a Byzantine fortress can be seen north of the monastery. Han Kroum’s soldiers destroyed the fortification in 809, while conquering Sredets (present-time Sofia). During the reign of tsar Petur, the monastery turned into a spiritual center. When Ottomans conquered Sofia in the end of the 14th century, the monastery was...

Gorna Oriahovitsa Monastery St. Prork Ilia

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:02:00 +0300

In 1973, St. Prorok Ilia Monastery in Gorna Oriahovitsa was named monument of culture of national importance. The monastery was founded in the 13th century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. During the Ottoman conquest, it was burned down and abandoned. Research of monastery remains began in the early 20th century. In 1908, excavation works were carried out and the foundations of the monastery’s church were found. Its dimensions were eight x four m. Walls that were nearly one m thick surrounded the complex. An icon of Virgin Mary, dating back to the 16th century was also discovered and can still be seen in the church today. Gorna Oriahovitsa residents collected funds for monastery renovation. In 1937, the construction of a new church began over the ruins of the old sanctuary. Work ended the next year and the church started functioning on September 22 1940. One...

St. Prorok Ilia Church, Sevlievo

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:23:00 +0300

Sevlievo’s oldest monument of culture is St. Prorok Ilia church that is situated in the very center of the town. The church exists since the 17th century and was initially a small sanctuary, dug into the ground. In 1834, Sevlievo residents decided to renovate and expand the church. When renovations began, the son of Sevlievo’s governor allowed people to make the church much bigger than expected. Until that time, churches had to be lower than mosques. The situation changed only in 1856, when the sultan issued a decree according to which all people in the Ottoman empire were equal, regardless of religion. The renewed church is 28 m long and 14 m wide. Strong stone walls support the construction, their thickness reaching up to one m. St. Prorok Ilia is one of the few churches that feature a descent of seven steps and is still dug into the ground. From the...

Batoshevski Convent

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:12:00 +0300

Near the village of Batoshevo and close to Sevlievo hides Vuvedenie Bogorodichno convent. It neighbors Rositsa River and offers wonderful view of the picturesque meadows nearby. The convent consists of small church, two-storey residential construction and several other buildings. Data about the existence of the convent appeared for the first time in 1657. Probably this old monastery was destroyed and replaced by new temple later on. Two old people, Miniu and Kera, renewed the monastery in 1872. Their daughter Maria decided to become a nun. The story of the girl is closely tied to the monastery. She was 7-year old when she became sick. Maria’s parents promised God to make her a nun, if she survived. When the girl turned 15, she joined the Gabrovo Monastery and remained there six years. Upon one of her visits, Maria’s parents decided to construct a...

Batoshevski Monastery

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:30:00 +0300

Batoshevski Monastery is situated four km away from the village of Batoshevo and 25 km away from Sevlievo. Surrounded by dense forests and situated on a hill, the monastery gives sense of peacefulness and tranquility. The monastery named Ouspenie Bogorodichno was created during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, between 1245 and 1257. It was initially constructed elsewhere and moved to its current location in 1836. Ouspenie Bogorodichno existed until the Ottoman conquest. It was destroyed afterwards and Bulgarians were denied the right to construct new Christian temples. In 1809, a hermit settled in the Batoshevski region. He constructed a small hut and asked people to help him in the setting up of a church. Nobody aided the hermit and he was chased away. Plague hit Sevlievo and the nearby regions in 1831. People gave promise to construct a church, once the epidemics was dealt...

Gornoezerovski Monastery Sveta Bogoroditsa

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:34:00 +0300

Gornoezerovski monastery, known officially as Sveta Bogoroditsa Monastery is situated only few km away from Bourgas between the districts of Gorno Ezerovo and Meden Roudnik. A narrow road between the two districts winds through the valley and leads to the white monastery walls that seem to stand high in the middle of nowhere. According to legends, the place housed a pagan sanctuary during Thracian times. Once Bulgarians accepted Christianity, they constructed a church. Over the years, it fell apart and the current-day church appeared. The monastery was probably founded in the 12th century. Springs flowing in the area provided healing for various diseases. The first documents that mention the monastery date back to 1892. In municipal registers, it has been mentioned as Aiazmoto. From the Bulgarian liberation to 1944, the monastery saw numerous visits from Bourgas residents....

St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral in Bourgas

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:23:00 +0300

St. Cyril and Methodius church is one of the most important symbols of the coastal city of Bourgas. The cathedral is the oldest church in Bourgas, situated in the very center of the city. Plans for the construction were made in 1888, when Bourgas grew rapidly. Construction began in 1895 and the church opened doors in May 1907. The cathedral has area of 516 sq m and its length and width are respectively 32 m and 21 m. Architecture impresses with the richly decorated façade and splendid dome. Green stone, bricks and marble were used in the construction. Rich decorations beautify the interior. Visitors usually notice first the five sets of marble arcs that have been positioned as if to split the church in two parts. Iconostasis woodcarvings were created in 1930. Well-known craftsman and icon painter Kroum Kosharevski worked on them. The cathedra has been...

Blagoevgrad's Vuvedenie Bogorodichno Church

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:30:00 +0300

The old Blagoevgrad district of Varosha protects in its heart Vuvedenie Bogorodichno church. The sanctuary has been named a national monument of culture. Bansko icon painting artists worked on the rich church decorations. Wood carvings feature deep tracery, especially noticeable in the decorations of the iconostasis. The bell tower is unusually positioned on the side of the church. Vuvedenie Bogorodichno complex has been constructed to resemble the church of Rila Monastery. A Gotse Delchev memorial and a monument of Ivan Pavlovich Orlinski (one of the soldiers connected to the first liberation of Blagoevgrad from Ottoman rule) can be seen in the church yard. Father Petur is ready to discuss the history of the church with each curious visitor. Before the church was constructed, a small chapel existed there and was the home of a monk. The first Blagoevgrad school started...

Pravets Monastery St. Teodor Tiron

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:28:00 +0300

Pravets monastery St. Teodor Tiron is a relatively small one, situated only few km away from the town of Pravets. Take the road to Etropole and you will see the sanctuary in the folds of Stara Planina Mountain. Etropole monastery Sveta Troitsa is also nearby, situated only 15 km away. Pravets monastery is the only one that carries that name in Bulgaria. Teodor Tiron was a soldier in the Roman army. Locals see the saint as Pravet’s protector. The names Todor and Teodor are very common there. Little is known of the monastery’s history. Almost all books and old writings were destroyed. Some historians believe that a Thracian sanctuary was situated there. According to them, the monastery was created during the reign of Asen and Petur. An assault took place in 1636 and the monastery was totally destroyed a century later. It was renovated in 1866. After...

Glozhen Monastery

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:02:00 +0200

Glozhene monastery is situated in the northern part of Stara Planina Mountain, close to the villages of Glozhene and Maluk Izvor. Its name is derived from the village of Glozhene and from a legend about the monastery. According to the legend, Glozhene was founded in 1239 by the Kiev prince named Glozh. He received Bulgarian permission to settle there, since the prince helped the Bulgarian tsar Ivan Assen II during the battle of Klokotnitsa. The prince carried a miracle-making icon and soon after he settled in Bulgaria, he constructed a monastery in the foot of Stara Planina Mountain. The icon disappeared on several occasions and was found each time in the high rocks above the monastery. Monks saw this as a sign to relocate and construct the whole complex again high in the rocks. In the end of the 14th century, a new building appeared in the rocks and the icon was placed...

St. Sofia Church

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:52:00 +0200

The church of St. Sofia is one of the symbols of Bulgaria’s capital. It is the second oldest church in Sofia after St. George. The church is situated in the central part of the city, on Alexander Nevski square. St. Sofia was constructed in the 4th century AD over the remains of older churches. Excavation works near the church unearthed objects typical for early Christianity. Before that, the region was the site of a Roman stadium. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the church turned into a bishop’s center. It was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman reign over Bulgaria. A strong earthquake in the 19th century damaged one of the minarets. The building was not renovated and later on it was abandoned. After the liberation, the building once again became a church. It was renovated in the 30s of the 20th century. Today St. Sofia greets visitors. The...

Klisurski Monastery

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:31:00 +0200

St. Cyril and Methodeus monastery is situated in the western part of Stara Planina Mountain, under Todorini Koukli peak, close to the charming little town of Varshets. According to historians, the monastery was founded during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It was attacked and set on fire many times during the Ottoman period. The last raid of 1862 was the reason for the abandonment of the monastery. This incident happened on the day honoring the two saints that gave the monastery’s name. All monks and believers present at that time were killed. Only a few years later the monastery was rebuilt and resumed all its activities. In 1891, the Vidin bishop sanctified the church in the complex and in 1937 it was decorated by famous artists. In 2000, a spring of healing water was found in the monastery yard. Now the monastery complex has the statute of a village. Residential...

Etropolski Monastery

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:26:00 +0200

Being in nature surroundings takes you closer to God. Or so people say. This very same reason determines the spots that will offer you a true spiritual experience. Some unique monasteries are situated in secluded mountain regions, far away from noise and commerce. One such place is St. Troitsa monastery, also known as Etropolski monastery. The cloister is situated five km away from the town of Etropole, hidden in the folds of Stara Planina Mountain. If you want to run away from noise, this is your place. Etropolski monastery has a third name, Varovitets. This name is probably derived from the limestone formations found in the area. A steep path leads from the monastery to a waterfall. The water has been washing the stone wall behind it for thousands of years. During the summer, the waterfall dwindles giving you the chance to explore these rocks. Accommodation is offered in...

Boyana Church

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:16:00 +0200

The Boyana Church St. Nikola and Pantheleimon is one of the Bulgarian monuments under the protection of UNESCO. It is located in Sofia’s Boyana residential district, on Boyansko Ezero Street. The medieval church is in UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Some of the wall decorations in the church are well known all over the world. Three construction phases produced the current-day church. The smallest part of the church was built in the late 10th century. The second stage took place in the 13th century with the construction of a two-storey church and a tomb. The last part of the complex was built in the 19th century. Several layers of wall decorations have piled over each other. Only few fragments of the first layer can be seen. The second layer dates back to the middle of the 13th century. The most outstanding decorations appeared during this period. Over 240 wall...

Bachkovski Monastery

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:29:00 +0200

Hidden in the slopes of the Rhodope Mountains, in the valley of Chepelarska River, hides Bachkovski monastery. The monastery is located 10 km south of Assenovgrad and 29 km away from Plovdiv. Bachkovski monastery is among the oldest in Bulgaria. It combines three cultures – Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian. The cloister was founded in 1083 by the Georgian military commander Grogori Bakuriani and his brother Abazi. In 1344, the monastery and the surrounding area came under the rule of the Bulgarian king Ivan Alexander. The Byzantine Empress Anna reassigned this territory to the Bulgarian ruler. The king patronized the cloister and made considerable donations. In 1364, the monastery was conquered by Ottoman soldiers. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the cloister suffered several robberies and devastations. It was renovated in the early 17th century. St. Bogoroditsa...

Arbanasi Monastery

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0200

The St. Bogoroditsa Convent is situated in the beautiful village of Arbanasi, a few kilometers away from Veliko Turnovo. It is widely known under the name Arbanasi monastery. The cloister was founded during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Its buildings were among the few that survived the Ottoman invasion. In the beginning of the Ottoman reign over Bulgaria, the monastery remained big and wealthy but was eventually abandoned because of frequent assaults. Arbanasi monastery was burgled and devastated many times. A church was constructed in the 17th century. It is still well preserved. In the early 18th century, several residential buildings were constructed near the church and the monastery resumed its activities. Some church wall decorations were made in the next few decades. They can still be seen. A miraculous, silver-plated icon, has found its home in the monastery. The...

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:56:00 +0200

Alexander Nevski cathedral can be seen as one of the most beautiful and impressive symbols of Sofia. It is situated in the center of the city, on the square carrying the same name, very close to the National Assembly building. The cathedral is also the main church of the Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch. Neo-Byzantine construction style was followed, strongly expressed in the cathedral’s golden domes. The area of the temple is 3170 sq m and the height of the biggest bell tower is 50 m. This makes Alexander Nevski second biggest orthodox cathedral on the Balkans after St. Sava Srabski in Belgrade. Construction of the church started in 1882 following the designs of architect academician Ivan Bogomilov. After his early death, design was assigned to the Russian architect Pomerantzev, who totally changed the structure of the building. Work on the building ended in 1912....