Oldest Monasteries in Bulgaria
Religion is an important part of Bulgaria’s national culture. If you want to know more about the culture of this country, monasteries in Bulgaria are an important part of your journey in this country. Here is a guide to some of Bulgaria‘s most stunning monasteries.
Among the most important places to visit in Bulgaria, there are historical places that include very old monasteries. The city of Varna has the largest number of old churches, and the church is the main symbol of this city. One of the most important churches in Bulgaria is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which has a capacity of thousands of people and is one of the most attractive historical churches in Bulgaria. Another important sightseeing place in Bulgaria is the structure of St. George Rotunda, which is considered the oldest building in the city of Sofia.
Bachkovo Monastery near Plovdiv City
Bachkovo is the second largest monastery among monasteries in Bulgaria. Also, you can find it near the town of Plovdiv in the Rhodope Mountains. Each year, on August 15, thousands march to the monastery to attend a special Mass for the Virgin Mary. When you see the monastery, follow the mountain path. It will take you to several beautiful chapels in the woods and one which is made inside a rock formation. In order to get to Bachkovo Monastery from Plovdiv city, you can take a local bus from the bus station and ask them to drop you at this monastery.
Dryanovo Monastery near Dryanovo Town
This monastery is in northern Bulgaria and was the place where revolutionaries secretly had meetings in the 19th century to start the Bulgarian liberation movement. See the magnificent architecture and interiors of the monastery and then explore it. Don’t miss the Bacho Kiro Cave or the path of love available here. This monastery is very close to Dryanovo Town.
Glozhene Monastery near Glozhene
The Glozhene Monastery is not one of the largest, most visited, or oldest in Bulgaria. However, your heart will be captivated by its magnificent position on top of a hill with beautiful scenery. It dates back almost 700 years and has symbols and paintings of the century. This monastery is found near the village of Glozhene and the river of Cherni Vit.
Rozhen Monastery in Southwestern
You can find Rozhen Monastery among the mighty Melnik Pyramids in the southwestern part of the country. It is just 7 km from the smallest town in the country, the center of Bulgaria’s wine manufacturing country. Expect amazing scenery in one of the most amazing monasteries in Bulgaria, as well as local wines and a deep sense of calmness.
Rila Monastery Known as Sveti Ivan Rilski
Rila Monastery is also famous as Sveti Ivan Rilski. This UNESCO-protected monastery is Bulgaria’s largest and the closest to Sofia. It was founded more than 1,000 years ago by St. Ivan of Rila. The monk Raphael, who built it, used a magnifying glass to do his detailed work. This monastery offers a simple overnight stay for prayers.
If you are interested in seeing other parts of Bulgaria, you can visit the top attractions in Sofia as well for a more comprehensive tour of attractions and monuments there.
Ivanovo Rock Monastery Made for Monks
This set of UNESCO-protected churches, chapels, and monasteries in Bulgaria can easily become one of the best moments of your trip here. You can find them near the town of Ruse. Inside some caves, you can still see medieval paintings well preserved and painted by monks. The Ivanovo Rock Monastery is now a tourist destination, and there are no more real monks here.
