The Shipka Monastery
Presentation
Work time
How do we get to
Service
Practical information
Information Center
Contacts
The Shipka Monastery “The Nativity” is located on the outskirts of the city Shipka.
The idea to found the monastery began with the Russian diplomat Count Ignatiev and Olga Skobeleva, mother of General Skobelev.
Funds for construction were donated by the Russian people; the residents of Shipka gave the land. Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1902. Also in 1902, the church was decorated with frescoes. The monastery was Russian Orthodox until 1934 when the Soviet government transferred the ownership to Bulgaria. Today the Shipka Monastery is part of the Shipka-Buzludzha park and museum complex.
The monastery church was declared an architectural and cultural landmark in Issue № 33 of the State Decrees for 1970.
The church has a cruciform dome, a rectilinear nave, and three apses.
On the sanctuary walls and in the outer galleries 34 marble plaques are listing the names of officers and volunteers who died during the Russo-Turkish war of 1887-88, some of whom died in the war’s most brutal battles on Shipka Pass not far from the city of Shipka. To the west of the church, there is a bell tower that is 53 meters high containing a total of 17 bells, the largest of which weighs 1,643 kg.
The Shipka Monastery is a functioning monastery. Its annual celebration is on December 25. The monastery does not offer overnight accommodations. There are informative brochures and souvenirs for sale on the premises.
Presentation
The Shipka Monastery “The Nativity” is located on the outskirts of the city Shipka.
The idea to found the monastery began with the Russian diplomat Count Ignatiev and Olga Skobeleva, mother of General Skobelev.
Funds for construction were donated by the Russian people; the residents of Shipka gave the land. Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1902. Also in 1902, the church was decorated with frescoes. The monastery was Russian Orthodox until 1934 when the Soviet government transferred the ownership to Bulgaria. Today the Shipka Monastery is part of the Shipka-Buzludzha park and museum complex.
The monastery church was declared an architectural and cultural landmark in Issue № 33 of the State Decrees for 1970.
The church has a cruciform dome, a rectilinear nave, and three apses.
On the sanctuary walls and in the outer galleries 34 marble plaques are listing the names of officers and volunteers who died during the Russo-Turkish war of 1887-88, some of whom died in the war’s most brutal battles on Shipka Pass not far from the city of Shipka. To the west of the church, there is a bell tower that is 53 meters high containing a total of 17 bells, the largest of which weighs 1,643 kg.
The Shipka Monastery is a functioning monastery. Its annual celebration is on December 25. The monastery does not offer overnight accommodations. There are informative brochures and souvenirs for sale on the premises.
Work time
May – October: 8.30 – 18.00
November – April: 8.30 – 16.30
How to get there
The monastery is located in the immediate vicinity of the city Shipka, 13 km from Kazanlak. There are many signs along the road providing directions.
Servising
The monks in residence at the monastery offer services to visitors in Bulgarian only. There is no charge to visit the monastery. Monks at the monastery are prepared to offer information about the monastery’s history in Bulgarian only, without charge.
Practical information
Tourist information center
Tourist information center – Stara Zagora
Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
27, Ruski Blvd., Stara Zagora
Tel: +359 42 627098
E-mail: tic@starazagora.bg
Website: https://starazagora.love/en/
Contacts
Tel: +359 4324 20 47
e-mail: yakov84@abv.bg
Virtual map
Photos
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