Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, part of the UNESCO heritage list since 1979. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are located in the northeastern Bulgaria, approximately 20 km south of the city of Ruse. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are on the banks of the Rusenski Lom River situated on the high rocks elevated 32 metres above the river. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo represent a monastery complex with chapels and monolithic churches.

The journey for the visit of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo is through the small village of Ivanovo located nearby the monastery complex. When you reach the village, there is a sign pointing towards the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. The road goes through the Rusenski Lom Nature Park, thus you will enjoy beautiful views of the Rusenski Lom river valley. The road itself is narrow and approximately 4.5 kilometres long. At the foothills of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo have a small parking area where you can leave your vehicle. The parking area reveals a majestic view of the rock, where the main church of the Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo is located. 

There are two footpaths for the visit of the main church of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The first one is through stairs that goes directly to the main church and the second one goes through the panoramic view of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. I would recommend that you take the second path. It is not very long, neither steep, however, when you reach the panoramic terrace, you will enjoy the magnificent view of the river valley. After you enjoy the view, you can head towards the entrance. It will take no more than few minutes. You need to pay a small fee before you enter for the visit of the main church of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The entrance is very impresive, as it is dug into the rocks.

There is a person inside the church that can give you a detailed explanation concerning the history and the uniqueness of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The importance and the fame of the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo is because of the invaluable and well-preserved beautiful frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as the distinct and unique architectural style of the monastery complex.