The Chiprovtsi Monastery “Saint Ivan Rilski”
The Chiprovtsi Monastery “Saint Ivan Rilski” near the town of Chiprovtsi
The Chiprovtsi Monastery “Saint Ivan Rilski” is located 7 km from the city of Chiprovtsi. The monastery was declared a cultural landmark in Issue 22 of the State Decrees for 1975.
The monastery was founded during the 10th century, and during its existence encouraged literary and spiritual pursuits. The holy site participated in the country’s struggle against Ottoman rule that culminated in 1688 with the Chiprovtsi Uprising when the monastery was used as a refuge for the insurgents.
The monastery has been destroyed more than once. The remains of those who died during the Chiprovtsi Uprising are preserved in an ossuary tower that is part of the monastery complex. The monastery church was built at the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century. It has a single nave and apse. The Saint Atanasiy Veliki Chapel, which was built in 1880, is located in one of the wings that house the monks.
The Chiprovtsi Monastery is a functioning monastery. The annual celebration honoring the monastery church is held on October 19. Informative materials and icons are on sale in the church, and the monks are prepared to provide information about the monastery’s history.
Opening hours
8.00 am – 8.00 pm, every day
There is no admission charge to visit the monastery.
Monks are prepared to provide history about the monastery (in Bulgarian) to interested visitors.
Contacts
The Chiprovtsi Monastery “Saint Ivan Rilski”
Tel: +359 878 189 931
From Chiprovtsi, proceed northeast toward the village of Belimel. The monastery is roughly 7 km from the city and a short distance off the road.
Tourist Information Center – Berkovitsa
Contacts
Tel: +359 953 88682
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]
2, Yordan Radichkov Square, town of Berkovitsa, 3500
Services
Information about tourist sites and accommodation places in the region.
Virtual map
Pictures
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