Bachkovo Monastery

Visit Bachkovo monastery and discover the wonderful frescoes and the divine views of the Rhodope Mountains. The Bachkovo monastery is the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria, and it was founded in 1083. The monastery is located on the right bank of the Chepelare River, near the small and charming village of Bachkovo, approximately 20 km south of Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria.

The journey to the Bachkovo monastery is through the Valley of the Chepelare River and reveals magnificent views of the Rhodope Mountains. When reaching the village of Bachkovo, there is a sign pointing towards the road to the monastery. The road to the Bachkovo monastery is narrow and has many small shops on both sides. The small shops offer various things, such as locally produced honey, handcrafted souvenirs, and other indigenous products. After you visit the Bachkovo Monastery, you can take a short walk and look around. You might find something interesting for you or a present for someone. After you pass through the narrow road, you will reach a big parking area in front of the entrance of the Bachkovo monastery. When you step out of the vehicle, no matter the season, the view around the monastery is astonishing.

The Bachkovo monastery is surrounded by the high hills of the Rhodope Mountains. During the spring and summer, you will enjoy the freshness and the greenery of the mountain; during the autumn, you will be delighted by the colorful magic that the Rhodope Mountains has to offer; and during the coldest season, when everything is covered with snow, it can simply be described as "winter wonder." The Bachkovo monastery itself is recognized and appreciated for its representation of the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian cultures, united by a common faith.

The Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary is the oldest preserved building, and it is dated to 1604. The Church of the Virgin Mary is also the place where the icon of the Virgin Mary, Eleusa, is kept. The icon is from 1310 and, according to legend, is a wonder-working. From the inside, the church is decorated with very beautiful frescoes. A visit to the Bachkovo monastery can be described as a delightful experience where you will discover the peacefulness and beauty of this sacred place.