The second largest Bulgarian monastery, the Bachkovo cloister, lies in the valley of the Chepelare river (also known by the locals as Chaya), about 10km to the south of the town of Assenovgrad. On all sides, the monastery is surrounded by the hills of the Rhodopi mountain, which together with its size and ancient spirit make is one of the most visited monasteries in Bulgaria. The complex and its neighbourhood have grown into a developed tourist sight where dozens of small shops, stalls, and restaurants stand on both sides of the walkway to the gates and appeal with their variety to visitors. One can find here everything that grows or is being manufactured in the Rhodopi mountain – rare herbs, home-made jams of wild fruit, yogurt and white cheese made of sheep or buffalo's milk, woolen carpets, etc.

It is believed that the first monastery in this place was founded some 2km to the north of the present-day buildings, in an area called The Little St Archangel. Its founders were two rebel boyars of the then-capital city of Turnovo –the Assen and Petar brothers. In the 14th century, the holy place was one of the main centres of Hesychasm and sheltered many monks. At the beginning of the 15th century, the monastery was destroyed by the invading Ottoman troops.. The Dryanovo monastery was restored anew at the end of the 17th century, this time in its present-day place. The main church of that time had a single nave and was half-hidden in the ground. It was standing very near to the present-day church; besides it, there was also a secondary shrine. Dryanovo monks took active part in the Bulgarians' uprisings and plots against the Ottoman rule. There was a secret storeroom for food and arms, which was the reason why rebel leaders Priest Hariton and Bacho Kiro used the monastery as their fortress at the time of the April uprising. Only a small number of the Bulgarian rebels survived the battle with the Turkish troops, while the monastery was again set on fire with the church being the only building that is left relatively intact. The most recent reconstruction of the complex was carried out shortly after the Liberation. A new residential part and a museum were added to the existing buildings. The bell-tower was erected in 1925.

The most famous monument of Bulgarian architecture and culture from the National Revival . Founded during the 10th century, it survived in all times. Repeatedly destroyed and burned during its millennial history, the Rila Monastery rose larger and more beautiful from the ashes every time. Its present day monumental appearance dates from the mid - 19th century. Visitors are fascinated by the pure and harmonious line of the buildings, the exquisite colonnades, arches and vaults. The monastery's most treasured historic and artistic monuments include: the 14th c. Hrelyo's Tower; the five-domed Birth of Blessed Virgin Church; the original 19th c. monastery's kitchen and the rich museum collection of valuable old manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets and wrought iron objects, and a library containing more than 16 000 books.

Troyan Monastery is located in the northern folds of the Troyan Balkan on the left shore of the Cherni Osum River and it is the third largest and most significant monastery in Bulgaria . It must have been in existence long before the l5th century, as legends suggest. It flourished again about the year 1600 . A spot of great interest is the wonderful monastery main church which was painted by Zahari Zograph in 1847-1849. He is famous for his wonder-working icon ‘Three Handed Virgin Mary'. A well known centre of literature in the past, it still has a rich and valuable library. In the times of national struggle for liberty the Troyan monastery has been a real revolutionary centre.

 

 

 

 

Any other “Monastery Trip” considering any Monastery around Bulgaria is available with previous request.