Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bachkovo Monastery: historical and spiritual treasury of Bulgaria

17
Photo: Iulia Bahovski

The Bachkovo Monastery is one of the most significant spiritual centers of Bulgaria. Founded in 1083 by Gregory Bakuriani, a Byzantine general of Georgian origin, this monastery preserves the Bulgarian Orthodox traditions combined with Byzantine and Georgian influences.


The main church "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" is decorated with magnificent frescoes, the work of famous iconographers.

A priceless treasure of the Bachkovo Monastery is the icon of the Mother of God, known for its miraculous power.


A distinctive space of the Bachkovo Monastery is its museum, which offers a glimpse into at the history of the complex and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The museum's collection includes rare medieval manuscripts, cult objects, liturgical vestments and unique examples of icons from different historical periods.

One of the unique spaces of the Bachkovo Monastery is the kitchen (magernitsa), which offers a unique insight into the daily life of the monks. Built in the 17th century, it was designed to accommodate the culinary activities that provided sustenance for both the monastic community and pilgrims.

Text and photos: Iulia Bachovski



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Unique church in Dobarsko attracts tourists and pilgrims all year round

Nestled in the foothills of Rila, the village of Dobarsko attracts tourists from all corners of the country year-round. A legend has it that some of the first settlers in the area of today's village were the blinded soldiers of Tsar Samuel, who,..

published on 2/16/25 6:10 AM

Surva, a festival that is a triumph of strength and youth

The 31 st edition of the international mummer festival Surva has asserted its standing as the biggest masquerade festival in Europe. There were more than 12,000 participants in the festival this year, coming from all ethnic regions of the..

updated on 1/27/25 5:56 PM

Pernik is ready for the noisiest and most colorful winter festival in Europe - ‎‎Surva

Bulgaria's town of Pernik is situated only 35 km southwest of Sofia and everyone knows it as the "town of ‎black gold" or "the town of miners". In recent years, however, the appearance of ‎Pernik has been changing and we increasingly associate the town..

published on 1/23/25 3:05 PM