Bulgarian Monasteries

Monasteries began to be built in the Bulgarian lands in the 4th - 5th century. The construction of the first monasteries followed a Near East scheme but soon Byzantine influence established a major standard of constructing Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Bulgarian monasteries were literary, cultural and artistic centres of the country and have played a key role in keeping up the Bulgarians' spirit and self-consciousness during 5 centuries of Ottoman domination.

Bulgarian closters, churches and monasteries have witnessed increasing tourist interest through the past years, not only because they are located in most beautiful parts of Bulgaria, but 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!