The Giginski monastery

Bulgarian sights
Location:  Pernik Region, Giginci

Giginski monastery (Tsarnogorski monastery) is situated in proximity to the village of Gigintsi, Breznik municipality, Pernik region

It is 6 km south of the small Gigintsi village, the town of Breznik is 21 km northeast and the regional center the town of Pernik is 32 km east. The capital Sofia is 63 km in the same direction.

The monastery "St Bezsrebrenitsi Cosmas and Damian" is located in Cherna gora mountain in area with lovely nature and fresh air. It is famous for the healing mineral water that helps people with vision problems. There are built spring with separate chapel and water drinking fountains. The most precious building in the monastery realm is the old church that was constructed in 1814. There could also be seen two hundred year old cob building where were the monk's dwellings. In the Giginski monastery is enshrined piece of St Cosmas's relics. 

History

The Tsarnogorski monastery occupies an important place in the Christian, cultural and political history of the Bulgarians from the central part of West Bulgaria. The little historical evidence that we have for the early history and the construction of the monastery together with the excavations show that the first monastery buildings date back to the XI-XII century which are built on the antiquity ruins. During the excavations were found preserved foundations of the monk's dwellings (rectangular) and ruins of round defense tower.
In the times of the Second Bulgarian Empire it was benefiting from its rich farms and large profitable properties.
Unlike many other monasteries which were looted, ruined and abandoned in the first decades of the Ottoman rule the Tsarnogorski monastery was not harmed. In these years it was the center of the public life of the Bulgarians from Sofia, Radomir and Breznik regions. 

In 2007 began its renovation - the construction of the new east dwelling and the new church. In the next two years were built the monastery tower (belfry), the holy water phiale, pavilion, drinking water fountains and the yard was landscaped. 
The three big bronze bells are unique for Bulgaria for each weighs one ton. They were made in Greece and represent bells in Aton. These bells together with the other six smaller ones create unique sound and melody. 

The monks take care of a little farm and produce buffalo milk, cheese, honey and wine which they sell to the tourists or give them for free. 

Transport 

You could go to the monastery by car or by bus to the village of Gigintsi and after that by foot but the route is easy and nice for excursions. It takes less than an hour to go there. If you prefer to go with your car you should know that the road from the village to the monastery is macadam. 

Accommodation 

In the monastery a few people could be accommodated. 
Every year on the second of May on the green meadows around the monastery is organized festival for which gather hundreds of people that come not only from the neighboring villages but also from distanced settlements. 

Sources:http://www.svetogorie.com 
Photos: http://www.panoramio.com/ 



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