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Bachkovo Monastery, Bachkovo

Must see · Historic Site · Religious Site
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Bachkovo Monastery is home to a silver-encased icon of the Virgin allegedly painted by St. Luke. Learn about the monastery's history from the frescoes in the former refectory, and view a marble table from 1601 in the dining room. Two churches in the monastery's courtyard feature 19th-century wall paintings by the prominent Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf. Enter the chapel to see a depiction of the Last Judgment; seek out the agitated Turks on the right and Zograf's self-portrait in the left corner. Other highlights include the 17th-century iconostasis, church plates, covers of manuscripts, and other pieces of applied art. The ossuary, a two-story stone tomb, is the only building preserved from the original monastery. Plan your Bachkovo Monastery visit and explore what else you can see and do in Bachkovo using our Bachkovo travel planner.
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Bachkovo Monastery reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
425 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • A short drive out of Plovdiv we reach this monastery where we plan to spend the night. Orthodox monasteries often have facilities for guests, in order to generate some much needed income: religion... 
    A short drive out of Plovdiv we reach this monastery where we plan to spend the night. Orthodox monasteries often have facilities for guests, in order to generate some much needed income: religion...  more »
  • Having parked our car in one of the large car parks at the foot of the hill there were so many people around and a busy avenue of tacky shops on the path to the monastery so we expected it to be very....  more
    Having parked our car in one of the large car parks at the foot of the hill there were so many people around and a busy avenue of tacky shops on the path to the monastery so we expected it to be very....  more »
  • Impressive monastery with great frescos. You can easily access the monastery by public transport from Plovdiv, around 40 minutes. 
    Impressive monastery with great frescos. You can easily access the monastery by public transport from Plovdiv, around 40 minutes.  more »
Google
  • As a Pagan this place could be a little overwhelming. The building itself though is beautiful, as is the artwork. When you look at the surrounding hills and scenery you can understand why the Christians who built this feel so close to their God there.
  • Beautiful place for tourists. Be careful if you get invited upstairs, they ask for 200 euro. The renovation work makes it look new, the history is being ruined by adding shops and museums.
  • Beautiful place. As a non religious person I have found it super peaceful and amazing to explore. It is a wonderful historical site that everyone that passes that route should see. Beautiful!
  • One of the most stunning monasteries I’ve seen. No wonder they built it in the mountains as it’s very peaceful and calm location. Definitely worth to visit. Also the tap water is drinkable and it tastes good too.
  • If you haven't been here you definitely should visit Bachkovo Monastery. Peaceful and beautiful place. Old historical churches, saints. I felt so proud we have this monastery in Bulgaria. Everyone should visit!

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