Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" — Attraction in Asenovgrad

The Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Bulgarian: Бачковски манастир "Успение Богородично", Bachkovski manastir, Georgian: პეტრიწონის მონასტერი, Petritsonis Monasteri), archaically the Petritsoni Monastery or Monastery of the Mother of God Petritzonitissa is a major Eastern Orthodox monastery in Southern Bulgaria. It is located on the right bank of the Chepelare River, 189 km from Sofia and 10 km south of Asenovgrad, and is directly subordinate to the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The monastery is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. The monastery was founded in 1083 by Prince Gregory Pakourianos, a prominent statesman and military commander in the Byzantine service, as a Georgian-dominated Orthodox monastery.[1] He set up a seminary(school) for the youth at the monastery. The curriculum included religion, as well as mathematics, history and music. In the 13th century, the Georgian and Chalcedonic Armenian monks[2] of the Petritsioni (Bachkovo) Monastery lost their domination over the monastery, but their traditions were preserved until the beginning of 14th century and an Armenian Gospel from the 10th century that came from this monastery still exists today.[3] During the time of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Bachkovo Monastery was patronized by Tsar Ivan Alexander, which is evidenced by an image of him on the arches of the ossuary's narthex. It is believed that the founder of Tarnovo Literary School and last patriarch of the mediaeval Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Euthymius, was exiled by the Turks and worked in the school of the monastery in the early 15th century.

Although the monastery survived the first waves of Turkish invasion in Bulgarian lands, it was then looted and destroyed, but restored near the end of the 15th century. The refectory, whose mural paintings by an anonymous painter bear a significant artistic value, was reconstructed in 1601 and the Church of Mary, still preserved today, was finished in 1604.

Bachkovo Monastery is the final resting place of both Patriarch Euthymius (1330–1404) and Patriarch...

This was an excellent trip which i can totally recommend if staying in Plovdiv. Our guide, Stoyan was one of the best guides i have had. He was friendly, very helpful and definately knew alot about Plovdiv and its history . His English was very good and explained everything in detail without boring us to death . We were picked up on time from our hotel in a comfortable minvan . Stoyan made sure we were all (6 of us) dressed correctly and even waited while of of our party then had to go back to her room to change footwear. We then set off to our first stop which was the wonderful bridges. A beautiful area with amazing views. At no time did we feel rushed to move onto the next place. Stoyan took particular care with one member of our group who had a slight problem walking helping her over the tricky rocks and steps. A word of warning this can be difficult site to visit if you have walking or balance problems. We stopped there for refreshments. The guide Stoyan gave us the option of where we would like to stop for lunch as we only wanted a light lunch we chose the first stop. We then went ti Bachkovo Monastary . Wonderful place. Again plently if time to see eveything and full explanations about the place. Our 3rd and last stop was the fortress. All 3 places were amazing and different. This trip was the highlight of our stay in plovdiv. Thank you Stoyan for looking after us so well and for sharing your knowledge. We all came away knowing a lot more about Plovdiv...

The Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" is a true gem nestled in the picturesque Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria. This historic monastery holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, and it is easy to see why.

From the moment you step foot onto the monastery grounds, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality. The stunning architecture, with its intricate details and vibrant frescoes, is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of this place.

Inside the monastery, you will find an array of beautifully decorated chapels and prayer rooms, each with its own unique charm. The highlight, of course, is the main church, where you can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the frescoes, which depict biblical scenes and stories.

The surrounding natural beauty of the Rhodope Mountains adds to the allure of Bachkovo Monastery. Take a leisurely walk through the serene gardens, filled with fragrant flowers and towering trees, or explore the nearby hiking trails for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" is a must-visit destination. Its beauty, serenity, and cultural significance make it a truly unforgettable...