Famous monasteries

Rilski monastery - a famous cultural and architectural monastery symbolizing the Bulgarian Revival period. Situated at the heart of Rila mountain the wide complex distinguishes itself with its own authentic style. It's no wonder that the same complex was chosen to represent Bulgaria in Europe's minimap of monuments.
Upon visiting you can learn more about the ancient Bulgarian fortresses, gates, churches, weapons and tools.
The monastery is listed in the UNESCO World heritage List, as a monument of an extraordinary value and significance to the world culture.

Bachkovo Monastery

Surrounded by the River of Chepelare, and only 29 kilometres away from Plovdiv Bachkovo or the "Assumption" monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. Once founded in 1083 the monastery has been often taken by fire but then restored by the Bulgarian craftsmen. The monastery's old books and manuscripts are a sign that it has been used as a secret library. The wall paintings in the refectory date back to 1643 displaying fragments of the Orthodox Church history stages, "the Doomsday", and holy-monks. The feature that attracts the tourists most is the icon of Virgin Mary, which locals believe to be miraculous.

Preobrazhenie monastery

Preobrazhenski Monastery is 7 kilometres north of Veliko Tarnovo. Build upon a hardly accessible rocks during the Ottoman rule the monastery suffered from numerous attacks and was rebuild back in 19th century.

Troyan Monastery

The Holy Virgin Troyan Monastery is northern from the Troyan Balkan. The monastery is famous for its miraculous icon "Tree-handed Holy Virgin".

Dryanovo Monastery

Located 4km away from Dryanovo in Veliko Tyrnovo district the monastery gave shelter to many Bulgarian rebels and fighters against the Otoman Rulers. One of the main quarters of the Bulgarian Central Revolutionary Committee have been located here led by the famous rebel leaders such as Vasil Levski and Georgi Izmirliev.