Vakarelski monastery "St Petka"
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Vakarelski monastery "St Petka" is working occasionally holy place in West Bulgaria. It falls within Ihtiman municipality, Sofia region.
It is situated about 2 km south of the village of Vakarel, 20 km southeast of the town of Ihtiman and 37 km northwest of the town of Kostenets. The capital Sofia is 38 km northwest.
It is located at the foot of Vakarel mountain and it is part of the Ihtiman Sredna gora. The area around Vakarel is very picturesque and there are many places suitable for tourism and excursions in the nature. Also the villa zone that is at the foot of Sredna gora is ideal for relaxation.
History and architecture
There is little information about the history of the monastery. According to one of the legends the monastery was found in XVIII with the permission of the Ottoman rule. Local Turk and his family later stood for its reconstruction and kept it safe from the bashibozuks after the April rebellion (1876). The holy place was working and flourished until 1944 when the monks were banished by the Communists and the buildings were turned into cattle-sheds. During those hard years the church was opened only on its holiday - Petkovden (14 October).
Today the monastery is complex of one nave and one apse church and small residential building. It is constructed in the XX century and worked as women monastery. At the moment one nun takes care for it.
Transportation
To the village of Vakarel there is railway transportation and also to it leads road E80 that is near Trakiya highway. When getting to the village there are left just 2 km gravel road.
Accommodation
In Vakarel monastery is not offered food or accommodation but just three kilometers away is working guest house with all amenities.
Sources: http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com http://svetimesta.com
Photos: http://www.panoramio.com
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