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Popular NameAladzha Monastery
Orthodox NameAladzha Monastery
RegionVarna
Location
Aladzha Monastery - location mapThe Aladzha rock monastery is situated only a few kilometers south of the Riviera Holiday Club and Golden Sands sea resorts and is also a part of the Zlatni Pyasatsi natural park. The distance to Varna is 16 km.


History and general info
The name of Aladzha monastery comes from the Turkish word for colourful ("aladzha") due most probably to the bright colours of its wall paintings, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The monk's cells, common rooms and sanctuaries, dug directly into the limestone rock and situated on two levels high above the ground, were connected via an external staircase. The lower floor hosted the monks' private cells, common rooms (i.e. kitchen, dining room) and a small church, while the upper level was dedicated entirely to a chapel. According to some historians, primitive monks' cells were built and inhabited already in the 4th century AC. The entire monastery is considered to date back to the 12th century AC. Unfortunately, nowadays only few of the frescoes are preserved (most of these to be found in the chapel) but the experience of visiting a monastery dug high above the ground into a steep rock is unforgettable. The monastery is declared a cultural sight and houses a small museum. Less than a kilometer away from the Aladzha Monastery, one can find a similar monastery complex, called Katakombite (The Catacombs). Katakombite has an origin and history similar to those of the Aladzha Monastery, though its remains are far less preserved.
Accommodation and food
The Aladzha monastery is not a functioning cloister and does not offer accommodation or food. Nevertheless, there is a rich choice of such facilities in the nearby resorts of Golden Sands and St. Konstantin and Elena.
Transport
The Aladzha rock monastery can be reached easily from Varna and Golden Sands by car or bus with the distance from the bus stop being only a five-minute walk.
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Visitor ratings - 56 vote(s):
Architectural and historical value: 9.84 / 10
Tourist facilities: 8.39 / 10
Location and landscape: 9.71 / 10
Our presentation: 9.09 / 10

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Comments for Aladzha Monastery

Published by Livvy Anderson on 17 Apr 2009, 06:46
IP address: 66.177.227.35
Subject: the monastery

its such a pretty place. the land around it is wonderful too.i feel like the monks were creative for making it in to a steep stone,very creative.
Published by Petrov on 16 Nov 2007, 20:47
IP address: 207.234.145.43
Subject: zglvok

it is great!
Published by Mike on 25 Nov 2006, 04:15
IP address: 74.194.190.120
Subject: Wife's Adultery

My wife has left our four-year-old son and myself for another man. She has moved 250 miles away and she allows us virtually no contact or communication with her. Her partner in adultery lives here in my town, so they see each other every weekend all weekend long. This is time she could spend with her husband reconciling and, more importantly, it's time she could spend just being a mommy. But her lover gets her every weekend. He is with her this weekend. He is with my wife right now, as I type this prayer request. Please simply pray that my wife end that wicked relationship and return home in repentance soon, that her mind and heart be filled with nice thoughts and sweet memories of our family, and that we both learn from the mistakes we have made. Thank you.
Published by daniel on 05 Feb 2006, 05:49
IP address: 155.68.22.192
Subject: aladzha

The place is really beatiful and the monastery is only one part of the experience. Aladzha is one of the places of my childhood that I know I will find nowhere else.

P.S. Praying is important. But please keep it away a website that is based on information.


Photo gallery


Aladzha Monastery - front view
Aladzha Monastery - front view

Aladzha Monastery - outside view
Aladzha Monastery - outside view

Aladzha Monastery - outside view
Aladzha Monastery - outside view

Aladzha Monastery - inside view
Aladzha Monastery - inside view

Aladzha Monastery - inside view
Aladzha Monastery - inside view



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