Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Presentation
Work time
How do we get to
Service
Practical information
Information Center
Contacts
The Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya is located 8 km east of Asenovgrad, on the right-hand side of the road to Parvomay.
The monastery was founded in 1856, near an ancient healing holy spring, not far away from the village of Zlatovrah (Golden Peak), Asenovgrad Region that was once called Arapovo. The Arapovo Monastery is the only monastery built during the Ottoman rule of which there is no evidence of previous existence. A school for the poor children living in the region was established in the monastery in 1868.
The monastery complex comprises several two- and three-storey dorters and farm buildings, as well as a large cross-in-square church. According to an inscription on the back door of the temple, it was completed in 1859.
The wall-paintings in the temple are extremely interesting. They are the first to break away from the canon related to the way the lives of St. Cyril and St. Methodius are depicted: the two saints are portrayed as preachers and Baptists of the Bulgarian people. A similar style is used for the depiction of episodes from the lives of St. Ivan of Rila and other Bulgarian saints. An old icon of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to possess wonder-working powers, is also kept in the temple. Many people from all around the country come to the monastery precisely because of this icon.
The holy spring which, according to local legends, has healing powers, is located near the north gate of the monastery. The building of the first chapel of the monastery, preserved to this day, is situated next to it.
A three-storey tower stands in the yard of the monastery. According to local beliefs, it was built by the legendary Angel Voivode – a brave rebel who protected the people from the Ottomans. The first two levels of the tower were built for military purposes: they are made of stone and have narrow slits. The third level is a dwelling area with four rooms.
Accommodation is not available at the monastery. The monks of the monastery give lectures in Bulgarian.
The patron saint’s day of the monastery is celebrated on the 7th July – the Day of Saint Nedelya.
Presentation
The Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya is located 8 km east of Asenovgrad, on the right-hand side of the road to Parvomay.
The monastery was founded in 1856, near an ancient healing holy spring, not far away from the village of Zlatovrah (Golden Peak), Asenovgrad Region that was once called Arapovo. The Arapovo Monastery is the only monastery built during the Ottoman rule of which there is no evidence of previous existence. A school for the poor children living in the region was established in the monastery in 1868.
The monastery complex comprises several two- and three-storey dorters and farm buildings, as well as a large cross-in-square church. According to an inscription on the back door of the temple, it was completed in 1859.
The wall-paintings in the temple are extremely interesting. They are the first to break away from the canon related to the way the lives of St. Cyril and St. Methodius are depicted: the two saints are portrayed as preachers and Baptists of the Bulgarian people. A similar style is used for the depiction of episodes from the lives of St. Ivan of Rila and other Bulgarian saints. An old icon of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to possess wonder-working powers, is also kept in the temple. Many people from all around the country come to the monastery precisely because of this icon.
The holy spring which, according to local legends, has healing powers, is located near the north gate of the monastery. The building of the first chapel of the monastery, preserved to this day, is situated next to it.
A three-storey tower stands in the yard of the monastery. According to local beliefs, it was built by the legendary Angel Voivode – a brave rebel who protected the people from the Ottomans. The first two levels of the tower were built for military purposes: they are made of stone and have narrow slits. The third level is a dwelling area with four rooms.
Accommodation is not available at the monastery. The monks of the monastery give lectures in Bulgarian.
The patron saint’s day of the monastery is celebrated on the 7th July – the Day of Saint Nedelya.
Work time
Monday – Sunday
8:30 – 19:30
How to get there
Servising
You can get more information from the monks in the monastery who give lectures in Bulgarian.
Practical information
Tourist information center
Tourist information center – 1, Rayko Daskalov Str. /Roman stadium sq./
Monday – Sunday
9:00 – 22:00 /summer working time/
9:00 – 20:00 /winter working time/
Tel: +359 32 620 229
E-mail: tourism@plovdiv.bg
Website: visitplovdiv.com
Teл:+359 32 620 229
Websites:
http://www.visitplovdiv.com/bg
http://oldplovdiv.bg
Tourist Information Center – Asenovgrad
Monday – Friday
9:00 – 17:00
4230 Center, Asenovgrad 2 Akademik Nikolay Haitov Square
Tel: +359 88 444 6256
E-mail: tic@assenovgrad.com
Contacts
Website: www.assenovgrad.com
Virtual map
Photos
Араповски манастир „Св. Неделя”
Араповски манастир „Св. Неделя”
Араповски манастир „Св. Неделя”
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
Arapovo Monastery of Saint Nedelya
© All images, advertising and video materials and/or other information published on this website are property of the Ministry of Tourism and are protected by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights, according to the Bulgarian laws to all applicable international and relevant acts of the European Union.
