Bachkovski Monastery is situated in the village Bachkovo, about 25 km south of Plovdiv in the foothills of the majestic Rhodope Mountain.
Bachkovski Monastery is the second largest Bulgarian monastery and one of the three Bulgarian Stavropegial monasteries (the other two are Rilski Monastery and Troyan Monastery) which draws thousands of visitors, Bulgarian and foreign tourists alike. The monastery was established in 1083 by the Great Domestik of Western Byzantine Garrisons, the Georgian, Grigorii Bakuriani. In the very beginning, the monastery has been developed as a centre of Georgian monkhood and it has preserved its Georgian character until the end of 12th century. Due to its origin, the monastery combines three cultures – Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian.
In the cathedral there is an icon from 1311 known as The Holy Mother of God Icon, with a silver repousse cover. This icon is believed to have miraculous powers.
Visitors to monastery may also view other icons, silver repousse covers for copies of the Gospels, and other works of art from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Treasures from the 17th century include a carved wooden icon stand with gold ornamentation and the cathedrals royal doors. The Bulgarian Exarch Stefan I (1878-1957) is buried at the monastery, as is the Bulgarian Patriarch Kiril (1901-1971). There is a museum on the grounds where some of the oldest artifacts connected with the history of the monastery are on display.
A favorite gathering place for pilgrims and visitors is the monastery’s courtyard, with its impressive trees, such as a Paradise apple tree and a Chinese fir. The monastery is still functioning, and the monks offer overnight accommodations. The church’s annual holiday is on August 15.
Visitors can purchase informative materials, books, souvenirs, and icons on the premises. The path leading to the monastery is lined with small shops and stands that sell ceramic items, wood carvings, and other souvenirs.
| NUMBER of PEOPLE | PRICE per PERSON |
| 2 | € 45.00 |
| 3 – 4 | € 40.00 |
| 5 – 6 | € 35.00 |
| 7 – 8 | € 30.00 |
| THE PRICE INCLUDES:
• PRIVATE TRANSPORT FROM AND TO BANSKO • ENGLISH OR RUSSIAN SPEAKING GUIDE • |
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