Monasteries in Plovdiv region
There are 10 monasteries open to visitors in the Plovdiv region, most of which are located near Assenovgrad town. It is famous for the great number of monasteries, churches and chapels in the whole country.
Bachkovo Monastery lies in the region, it is the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria.Other noteworthy monasteries in the region of Assenovgrad region are Arapovo monastery “St. Nedelya”, Kuklen monastery “St. st. Kozma and Damyan”, Belashtitsa monastery “St. George the Victorious”, Byala Cherva monastery “St. Petur and Pavel”, Muldavo monastery “St. Petka”.
There are a few functional monasteries lying at the foot of the mountain, near to Kalofer and Sopot.
Bachkovo Monastery "Virgin Mary"
The monastery was established in 1083 by the Great Domestik of Western Byzantine Garrisons, the Georgian, Grigorii Bakuriani. Due to its origin, the monastery combines three cultures – Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian. There are three churches in the monastery, the oldest one of which dated back to the 12th-13th century.
monastery detailsArapovski Monastery “St. Nedelya”
Arapovski Monastery was established in the middle of 19th century near an antique spring. The construction was done in 1856 and 3 years later the main church "St.Nedelya" was built. The most unique bulding in Arapovski Monastery is the church tower.
monastery detailsKuklen Monastery “St.St. Kosma and Damyan”
The Kuklen Monastery was established during the Second Bulgarian State and it was mentioned in the 11th century in a document describing the properties of the Bachkovo Monastery. It is believed that the monastery was named after the saint bothers Kozma and Damyan for their curative capabilities. The monastery emerged as a religious cloister around a spring of curable waters and according to the legend, it cures mental disorders.
monastery details