The monasteries are one of the most attractive cultural sites for tourists to visit. In reality, however, these are the places that managed to preserve the faith, strength and spirit of the Bulgarian at the same time during the best and most difficult times in Bulgarian history. Regardless of whether you are religious or not, it is almost mandatory to know at least some of the names of these treasures of Bulgarian culture...
1. The Rila Monastery
Located where the sky above Rila touches its peaks, the Rila Monastery remains the leader among all Bulgarian monasteries. The Rila Monastery is located 40 km from Blagoevgrad. History claims that the hermit Ivan Rilski built the monastery during the time of Tsar Peter. Today, one of the most distinctive features of the site is the tower, whose chapel at the top has become home to valuable frescoes from centuries past. This Bulgarian shrine is recognized by many world lists, rankings and organizations, and its inclusion in the UNESCO list is just one of them. It is a curious fact that on the territory of the monastery you can very often meet people from the Asian part and in general from the most diverse nations. So don't waste time - take a walk around Rila!
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[/ vc_column] [/ vc_row]2. Troyan monastery
If you find yourself in the beautiful Bulgarian town of Troyan, you can't help but visit the monastery of the same name. But the Troyan monastery is a must-see during your stay in Veliko Tarnovo and its surroundings. The third largest monastery in our country is best known for the frescoes of Zahari Zograf. His self-portrait and the "Wheel of Life" are just some of the murals that add magic to the church in the complex. The church stands in the middle of a green courtyard surrounded by three- and four-story buildings that were once someone's home. It is believed that many Bulgarian revolutionaries, including the Apostle, hid in the monastery near the town of Troyan. One of the first cell schools was also housed in the Trojan Assumption Monastery during the Renaissance.
3. Bachkovo Monastery
The Bachkovo Monastery is among the most important Bulgarian monasteries. The monastery is located 10km from Asenovgrad, which allows you to combine its visit with a walk to the equally impressive Asenova fortress. The oldest carved iconostasis in our lands, the original wall paintings and icons will show you the intersection of three cultures - Bulgarian, Old Georgian and Byzantine. One of the most magical objects in the monastery is the icon of the Virgin of Blacherna, the origin of which is unclear, and she herself is considered miraculous! The easily accessible monastery, located in the natural bloom of Rodopa mountain, is a frequently chosen location for baptisms, marriages and other religious ceremonies.
4. Cherepish Monastery
Carved into wonderful rocks with caves, the Cherepish Monastery is located in the Iskar gorge, not far from the capital. The nature here has really colored and does not stop coloring. The monastery itself has existed since the glorious time of Tsar Ivan Shishman. The place is steeped in history: a battle took place in the area against our warriors led by Tsar Ivan Shishman and Turkish invaders; during the dark years, the monastery turned out to be a temporary refuge for the bright Sophronius of Vrachan; writers and poets draw inspiration from the magic of this shrine - Ivan Vazov and Aleko Konstantinov repeatedly wrote here, and Felix Kanitz defines the Cherepish Monastery as the most beautiful place on earth!
5. The Vrace monastery "St. Forty Martyrs”
Located a few kilometers from Botevgrad, the Vratches monastery impresses its visitors with true art in terms of architecture, frescoes and icons. But here it is perhaps better to talk about history, because one date marks him forever - March 9, 1230. is the day that Tsar Ivan Assen II achieved a memorable victory over the despot Theodore Comnenus. In honor of this, the king decided to found the monastery. It is a curious fact that the monastery was founded as a male one, but after time it became a female one and remains so to this day.
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See more:
5 uniquely beautiful caves in Bulgaria
5 of the most beautiful rivers in Bulgaria
5 must see places in Rila
