Bachkovo Monastery
One of the largest and oldest Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Europe, Bachkovo Monastery is located 29km from Plovdiv, on left bank of the Chepelarska River in the Rhodope Mountains. It was founded in 1083 by Georgian brothers Bakuriani. At the end of the 11th century the monastery became the center of the Bachkovo school of Literature. It became Bulgarian territory under Tsats Kaloyan (1197-1207) and Ivan Asen II (1218-1241). Bachkovo Monastery is an architectural ensemble of 2 courtyards enclosed by the monastery buildings which were erected between 18th-20th century over the remains of the ruined old buildings. Unique murals have been preserved, painted be Zahari Zograf between 1840-1841. The Bachkovo monastery has long welcomed visitors and accommodated those wishing to stay there for the night. It has a large capacity of more than 200 beds, but booking is recommended for the summer season.
