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Popular NameTransfiguration Monastery
Orthodox NameSt. Transfiguration
RegionVeliko Tarnovo
Location
Transfiguration Monastery - location mapThe Transfiguration monastery is built in an extremely picturesque place, about 10 km away from the ancient fortress of Tsarevets. It lies at the foot of vertical rocks on the left bank of the Yantra river, down on the way from Veliko Turnovo to Rousse. The yard of the monastery offers a marvellous view to the defile of the river and the opposite rocky hill, the foot of which shelters another monastery, the Patriarch’s “Holy Trinity”.


History and general info
The Transfiguration monastery was established in the 14th century and is still functioning at present. Unfortunately, none of the original buildings are kept to date – the entire present-day complex was built in the 19th century. The “St Transfiguration” church also dates back to that time. Its construction was started by the Dimitar of Sofia master (later captured and hanged by the Ottomans for his taking part in the famous Velcho’s plot against the Ottoman Empire) and finished by a famous architect of that time, Kolcho Fitcheto. The church has a unique design, which is hardly comparable to any other shrine in a Bulgarian monastery. The picturesque wall paintings, created by another renowned artist, Zahari Zograf, is also imposing on visitors. Over a period of three years, from 1849 to 1851, Zahari works over some of the masterpieces of the Bulgarian Renaissance art. His work on the altar, as well as the beautiful fresco on the outer wall, named “The Cycle of Life”, deserve the biggest attention. The masterly woodcarving, called The King’s Gates, made in the 19th century is also of interest.

Some time ago, there used to be two smaller churches in the neighbourhood. Regretfully, these were destroyed by the slide of rocks 25 years ago. The monks’ dwellings with their spacious verandas, again designed by Kolyo Fitcheto, remind of the classical style of the Bulgarian Renaissance. At present, 13 monks live there.
Accommodation and food
Even if the monastery is acting as such and the complex is spacious, food and accommodation are not offered. One can instead take the few minutes’ drive back to Veliko Tunovo, where the regular flow of tourists ensures a good supply of restaurants and hotels.
Transport
The offroad to the Transfiguration monastery is about 6km away from the suburbs of Veliko Turnovo off the main road to Rousse. The offroad is signed.
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Visitor ratings - 36 vote(s):
Architectural and historical value: 9.94 / 10
Tourist facilities: 6.86 / 10
Location and landscape: 9.89 / 10
Our presentation: 9.14 / 10

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Comments for Transfiguration Monastery

Published by BILL & CAROL. on 03 Mar 2008, 06:44
IP address:
Subject: UPDATED SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST.....RECOVERY FROM THE LOSS OF OUR ONLY SON AND OTHER ONGOING SORROWS!

March.2,2008.

Dear Community of Prayer,

Thank you for praying for us in our long dark night of the soul. Darkness at times that goes beyond words ..only pain and sorrow!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US Daily for the long term...March,April,May..2008,2009...or as long as possible?? PLEASE PRAY for God's Healing Peace and Hope in our broken hearts,health and shattered lives!! PLEASE IF POSSIBLE?? Can you help us by passing or E-mailing Our Urgent Prayer Request On: Convents,Monasteries,Parishes,Abbeys,Houses of Prayer and Others you know of in the WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF PRAYER...WWW....Who can pray for us daily for the long term?? 2008,2009..?? THE LOSS OF OUR ONLY SON WAS THE FINAL BLOW IN OUR ALREADY BROKEN AND CRUSHED LIVES BY OTHER SORROWS OVER THE YEARS!!! PLEASE PRAY AND PASS ON...WWW....WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF PRAYER??? Thank you for Your Patience and Daily Prayer Support in our long dark night of the soul. Bill & Carol, ohio.usa.
Published by Cathie on 20 Nov 2007, 17:14
IP address: 83.228.54.37
Subject: Hiking here

The hiking trail from Turnovo to the monastery is great! I recommend walking the 6km - trails are well marked.


Photo gallery


Transfiguration Monastery - outside view
Transfiguration Monastery - outside view

Transfiguration Monastery - the church
Transfiguration Monastery - the church

Transfiguration Monastery - the church
Transfiguration Monastery - the church

Transfiguration Monastery - inside the church
Transfiguration Monastery - inside the church

Transfiguration Monastery - inside the church
Transfiguration Monastery - inside the church

Transfiguration Monastery - inside the church
Transfiguration Monastery - inside the church

Transfiguration Monastery - the complex
Transfiguration Monastery - the complex

Transfiguration Monastery - the complex
Transfiguration Monastery - the complex

Transfiguration Monastery - the complex
Transfiguration Monastery - the complex

Transfiguration Monastery - the bell-tower
Transfiguration Monastery - the bell-tower

Transfiguration Monastery - the yard
Transfiguration Monastery - the yard

Transfiguration Monastery - a view from the monastery
Transfiguration Monastery - a view from the monastery



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