Region Plovdiv
Regions
Arapovski Monastery St. Nedelya
The Arapovo monastery “St Nedelya” is located 8km to the northeast of the town of Assenovgrad, close to the village of Zlatovrah (formerly named Arapovo). “St Nedelya” is one of the few Bulgarian monasteries built in the field and not in the natural protection of the mountain.
Bachkovo Monastery Virgin Mary
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.
Belashtitsa Monastery St. George the Victorious
The monastery “St George The Victorious” is situated just outside the village of Belashtitsa, which in turn lies 12km to the south of the city of Plovdiv – there where the Rhodopi mountains start to rise from the ends of the Thracian valley. The monastery is not big but is very cozy, nesting within the marvelous forest above the village.
Gorni Voden Monastery St. St. Kirik and Yulita
The Gorni Voden monastery “St St Kirik and Yulita” lies about two kilometers to the southwest of Assenovgrad and about a kilometer to the south of the Gorni Voden quarter of the town. It is situated in the Chernatitsa part of the Western Rhodopi mountain.
Kalofer Monastery (brotherhood) The Nativity of Mother of God
The Kalofer monks’ monastery “Nativity of Mother of God” is situated some 7km away from the town of Kalofer in northern direction. The monastery lies in a picturesque valley on the bank of the Byala Reka river, surrounded by hills of the Balkan mountain. The entrance to the Central Balkan national park and the Byala Reka complex can be seen some 200m behind the monastery. An eco-trail named “Byala Reka” that is a part of the Byala Reka complex (the latter including also the Byala Reka camp and a children center for survival in the wild “Dzhendema”) starts close to the monastery, too.
Kalofer Monastery (nunnery) The Presentation of God's Mother to the Temple
The Kalofer nunnery “The Presentation of Mother God to the Temple” is situated in the Balkan town of Kalofer, on the right bank of the Tundzha River.
Kuklen Monastery St. St. Kozma and Damyan
The Kuklen monastery “St. St. Kozma and Damyan”, also known as “St Vrach” (St. Healer”) among local people, lies about two kilometers to the southwest of the village of Kuklen, in the Chernatitsa part of the Western Rhodopi mountain. The village of Kuklen is situated about 8km to the west of Assenovgrad.
Sopot Convent The Presentation of God's Mother to the Temple
The Sopot convent “The Presentation of God's Mother to the Temple” is situated in the center of the town of Sopot. It forms a historical ensemble with Rada’s Girls School and the St Apostles Peter and Paul church. An extremely beautiful and well-kept garden and buildings that have preserved their ancient look and spirit unveil behind the thick wall of the monastery.
Sopot Monastery St. Spas
The Sopot monastery “St. Spas” is situated about a kilometer away from the town of Sopot in northern direction, in the skirts of the Balkan mountain.