Bulgarian Monasteries

As early as the 4th century, monasteries began to be built in the lands which contemporary Bulgaria occupies today. The early monasteries were constructed according to the schemes of the Near East. Gradually, the influence of the Byzantine empire, the major neighboring country and source of cultural influence of Bulgaria, started to change the appearance and style of the monasteries in Bulgaria. The Christian monasteries which later became Eastern Orthodox monasteries were literary, cultural, and artistic centres of the Bulgarian people. They have played a key role in keeping up the national spirit and self-consciousness during the five-century long Ottoman domination.

Bulgarian cloisters, churches, and monasteries are objects of constant tourist interest through the past years, not only because they are located in the most beautiful parts of Bulgaria, but also because they impress the visitors with their unique design, their valuable icons and masterly wall paintings.

Browse through the links in this section and discover the beautiful architecture and rich history of the Bulgarian Monasteries!