Bachkovo monastery in Bulgaria

One of the most beautiful monasteries and largest historical sightseeing in Bulgaria definitely is Bachkovo monastery. It is located only 10 km away from the town of Chepelare and 28 km from Plovdiv. Definitely it is easily accessible for tourists and visited all year round from people from all over the world, who are impressed by the beauty of the Bulgarian nature and history. Bachkovo monastery is situated in the picturesque Chaya river valley, which is really beautiful nature sightseeing in the country. Bachkovo monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria after Rila Monastery. The history of the monastery began in 1083, when the Byzantine commander Grigorii Bakuriani founded it together with his brother Abazii. During the Second Bulgarian Empire the monastery was patronized by king Ivan Alexander. Another historical figure, who is connected with the monastery is the patriarch Evtimii, who has been exiled here after the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule. Unfortunately, the monastery was plundered and destroyed in the years after the Ottoman invasion. It was restored only in the XVII century, but only ossuary, located above the monastery is preserved in its original form. The ossuary is known for its unique murals, which are among the most valuable pieces of Orthodox art of XI and XII century. In addition to the ossuary, Bachkovo monastery boasts its cathedral church “Assumption”, which was completed in 1604. The church was built on the foundations of the once existing there Bakurian’s old church. For the model used Mount triconchal temples. Among exquisite murals of the church stands the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary tenderly by 1310 the Church has one of the earliest wood-carved iconostasis. The tree is intricately carved cane with a plastic ornamental motifs.
One of the most interesting places in the monastery is the dining room, renovated in 1601, painted by an unknown painter too unusual – among the saints can be seen part of the Greek sages like Plato and Aristotle, and even Aristophanes, who surprisingly has found its among them, perhaps because of their criticism of Athenian manners. In the middle of the dining room has a marble table in the same year, which are fed monks. The dining room of the monastery in 1965 to operate the dining room is accessed in two adjacent rooms, the first of which probably served for storage, and the second was the actual kitchen, which has prepared food for pilgrims and novices. In the monastery there are two temples – the “St. Nicholas “and” St. Archangels.”St. Nicholas” is known as the first church, written entirely by Zachary Zograph who painted here is my own image. Against the “St. Nicholas” is the museum, recently arranged a wonderful exhibition of liturgical objects. One of the novelties in the monastery is the new library, which also recently been completed. Bachkovo to walk from Plovdiv or town is more than just visit a monastery – it is a walk in our past, telling us glorious chapters in our history. The magnificent icons and frescoes, carvings and picturesque appearance of the overall Bachkovo – painted external walls and fountain in the courtyard, towering evergreen trees and tranquil peace in our atmosphere make us feel like part of the architectural ensemble and general design. It makes us pause for a moment with our earthly vanities, to bow before the holy place and feel the beauty of peace, the king around. Perhaps so, there is always plenty of people come to experience the sublime. The Bachkovo Monastery is part of the 100 national tourist sites and facilities included in the project “Communication campaign to promote domestic tourism in Bulgaria” under OP “Regional Development” (2007-2013).