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This holy place was founded in 1772 as a convent of the Hilendar Monastery on Mount Athos. Over the decades, the convent of the Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrov Bogorodichen) was expanded as new buildings donated by locals were.
Monasteries, mountains and magnificent architecture: the best of Bulgaria
What not to miss on a visit to this culturally rich country. Post author
Bulgaria has a history and culture as rich and diverse as its landscape. From the gold-domed churches of Sofia to the picturesque National Revival houses of Koprivshtitsa, visitors will find an eclectic mix of traditions and architecture.
Add to this remote mountain monasteries, medieval fortresses and ancient rock formations, and you’ll see that there are opportunities to delve into this country’s past at every turn.
Churches
Rila Monastery
No guide to Bulgaria is complete without a mention of this exquisite monastery. With a superb location among the forested valleys of the Rila Mountains, this vast complex is known for its magnificent frescoes, elegant colonnades and beautiful domes. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist (and pilgrimage) sites in the country, but for good reason.
If there’s one thing Bulgaria has in abundance, it’s beautiful monasteries. And with approximately 150 ‘working’ Orthodox Christian monasteries dotted around the country, you will inevitably have to pick and choose which will feature on your itinerary.
So, to help you narrow it down, here is my selection of the finest in Bulgaria. Each is well worth your exploration.
Rila Monastery
The first sight of Rila Monastery’s towering exterior gives the impression of a fortress; in the past this security was necessary, as the wealth of the monastery attracted robbers, though its remote situation in the mountains and its altitude, 1,150m, helped to protect it.