Monastery complex "Virgin Mary's Assumption"
The monastery complex “Virgin Mary’s Assumption” is a beautiful Bulgarian monastery, located in the south part of Kardzhali, in Gledka quarter.
It is situated 49 km south-west of Haskovo and 245 km south-east of the capital Sofia city.
The monastery is a particularly attractive destination, as it is known for keeping particles from the Cross of Christ. Recently, during archaeological excavations in the apse of the archdiocese church, 5-6 bronze pectoral crosses – relikuariums were found. After a laboratory testing, it turned out that particles of the Holy Cross were found in one of the reliquary crosses.
HISTORY
The groundbreaking for the temple was made back in 1938 by the population of the village of Dzhebiroglar. Legend has it that they were driven from their covillager who had a prophetic dream. A rolled icon was found in the first sod . In the second sod a healing water spring started flowing in the surface. The villagers decided to build a wooden chapel and later – a temple.
Historical records and other remains of constructions give rise to claims that the monastery has become a bishop, and later in a bishopric center in X - XI century. Evidence for this unique artifacts is found in the temple and around it - five brick tombs. Four of them are senior clerics’ and the other is supposed to have belonged to a prominent secular aristocrat.
One of the tombs located in the church was tight closed. After its careful opening the relics of a senior Christian cleric dating from the end of XII and beginning of the XIII century were found. There were also preserved ritual garments – found for the first time in the grave. According to some scientists the tomb belongs to Patriarch Evtimiy Tarnovsky.
In the grave were found completely preserved stole, woven with gold and with unusual decoration and religious relics as well. The existence of such a finding, in the opinion of experts, proves that during the Middle Ages Kardzhali was an important Christian center.
The wonderful gold fabric of the scepter, the oversleeves and the loincloth amaze with their master craftsmanship. According to historical data the scepter is extremely expensive, it is assumed that it was made in Constantinople.
One of the churches of the monastery was restored in 2000. After 600 years of silence the church bell rang again in Kardzhali and the Rhodopes. Due to its high artistic value the medieval monastery was declared a cultural monument of national importance.
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMODATION
The monastery complex is easily accessible as it is located in the town of Kardzhali. The monastery has a hotel part with 47 rooms, dining room, parking lot, conference hall, offering everything necessary for the comfort of visitors.
There are also a Sunday school in religion, a kitchen for people in need, a library and a hotel part.
Sources: www.bulgariancastles.com, www.kardzhali-tourism.info
Photos: http://bulgariatravel.org
Chuprene Biosphere Reserve
The reserve is one of the largest biosphere reserves in Bulgaria. It is established in 1973 to preserve the northern coniferous forests of Bulgaria. In 1977 it was included in the list of biosphere reserves under the program "Man and Biosphere".
See on the map
Water Holes Cave
Water Holes Cave is located in Apriltsi Municipality, within the Central Balkan National Park on the northern slope of the massif of Botev Mount.
See on the map
Albotin rock monastery
Albotin monastery is an inactive Medieval rock monastery included in Vidin diocese.
See on the map
Uzana - the geographic center of Bulgaria
Uzana - the heart of the Balkans. In its embrace, the mountains has kept this extraordinary place where you can fully take charge with power and hours to enjoy its grandeur and beauty of nature.Far from the urban vanity you will find abundance of colors and shades, serenity and peace of mind. Here the warbling of the birds and the whisper of wild grasslands will put a spell on you forever.
Chervenitsa - geological phenomena over the village of Kunino
The natural phenomenon Chervenitsa is a molded boulder, rising more than 150 m above the terrace of the river Iskar in village of Kunino. It is located about 46 km east of Vratsa and approximately 120 km northeast of Sofia.
See on the map
The museum of salt
A unique museum in the whole Eastern Europe dedicated to the production of salt by solar evaporation of sea water, Pomorie
See on the map
Lopushanski monastery "Sv. Yoan Predtecha"
The Lopushanski monastery is located in the Balkan Mountain in the valley of Dalgodelska Ogosta river. It is operational and consists of a church, residential and farm buildings and a white stone fountain, all surrounded by a stone wall.
See on the map
Taukliman Reserve
Natural Reserve Taukliman typical landslide with length of about 4 km, formed between the edge of the Dobrudzhansko plateau and the coast.
Basilica Sveta Sofia - Sofia city
The Early Christian basilica Sveta Sofia is an active Orthodox church in the center of Sofia city. The church was probably built in the early VI century on the ruins of early Christian tombs from II - IV century and the ruins of two earlier churches from IV-V century. It is located among the necropolis of the ancient Serdica.
See on the map
Medieval fortress "Monyak"
"Monyak" fortress is one of the largest and high located fortresses in the Rhodopes near the village of Shiroko pole, Kardzhali Region
See on the map
Vakarelski monastery "St Petka"
Vakarelski monastery "St Petka" was found in XX century and now it is working occasionally. It was functioning as nunnery.
See on the map
"The Womb" cave
A unique Thracian temple near the village of Nenkovo, Kardzhali Region
See on the map
Thracian sanctuary "Gluhite kamani"
The megalithic complex "Gluhite kamani" is one of the largest Thracian sanctuaries since BC, whose strength continues to act today to anyone who visits it.
See on the map
Krivus Fortress
A medieval fortress located on a picturesque cliff above Arda River near the village of Bashevo, Kardzhali Region
See on the map
"St. Konstantin and Elena" monastery near Ladzha quarter, Ivaylovgrad
The monastery of Lazdha or Ivaylovrad monastery "St. Konstantin and Elena" is situated close to Ladzha quarter in the town of Ivaylovgrad
See on the map
Rakovitsa monastery Sveta Troitsa
Rakovitsa monastery Sveta Troitsa was was found in X-XI century and during the Middle Ages was an important literary and cultural center in Bdin area.
See on the map
Roman tomb - town of Hisarya
The Hisar tomb is a late Roman family tomb built in the second half of the IV-th century.
See on the map
Elenska basilica
Elenska basilica is early Christian temple that is preserved to nowadays and is situated in proximity to the town of Pirdop
See on the map
"St. Theodor Tyron and Theodor Stratilat" church
A unique monument of culture with extremely precious frescoes and icons included in UNESCO's list with the World Cultural Heritage, village of Dobarsko, Blagoevgrad Region
See on the map
Ovech Fortress
One of the oldest fortresses in Bulgaria located on a high mountain plateau above the town of Provadiya
See on the map