Bulgarian monasteries – our privately guided tours discover Bulgaria’s religious heritage. For centuries, sacred treasures were hidden away. Take part in a memorable treasure hunt and discover them for yourself. You will be fascinated by the exquisite architecture, rich murals, collections of icons, woodcarvings, and other cultural treasures.
Early Christian churches were built on Bulgarian lands even before Bulgarians converted to Christianity in the 9th century. The realistic style of painting of the unique frescoes of Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage site), dating back to 13th century, surpassed the Italian Renaissance by a century.
The hundred Bulgarian monasteries and churches have preserved the unique example of the Bulgarian iconography, icon-painting and wood-carving. All of them are part of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage of the past and cradle of faith, as well as world masterpieces, manuscripts and relics.
Formally known as the Monastery of Saint John of Rila, the world famous Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site) is the largest and most beautiful Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria with original architecture and brilliant frescoes and iconostasis. A miniature model of the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most renowned cultural site, was added to the collection of the Mini-Europe park in Brussels in March 2009.
Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest Bulgarian monastery, is treasuring the wonderful icon of the ‘Holy Virgin’ dating back to 1310. The Troyan Monastery is not only our third largest but is unique with the rich paintings of both the interior and the exterior. Amazing icons and woodcarvings can be seen in Rozhen Monastery, Preobrazhenski Monastery, Sokolski Monastery and many others…
Most of our clients opt for Rila Monastery (10th century, UNESCO site) and Bachkovo Monastery (11th century) to start with. These are the most important monasteries with regard to size, architectural, artistic and literary significance and memorable cultural monuments and travel hot spots on the Balkans.
STANDARD TOUR
8-days / 7-nights
Guaranteed departure tours
For two and more travelers
Upon request, these cultural tours are customizable and recommendable for two or more participants because of the better tour price for you. Special discounts apply for tour groups of minimum six travelers. The price includes land services only. It may vary depending on the type of hotel accommodation, transportation and guide service.
Tour Reservations and Enquiries
Tour operators, travel agencies or corporate clients, please, ask tour details or email us.
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