Explore Bachkovo Monastery

by Ryan | Jul 18, 2024

History and Architecture of Bachkovo Monastery

The Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos, also known as the Monastery of the Mother of God Petritzonitissa, is a major Eastern Orthodox monastery near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The monastery is known and appreciated for its unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian cultures.

This blog will take you on a tour of this magnificent monastery, including its history and architecture. This monastery has a rich history, with its founding dating back to the 11th century. The architecture is stunning, with the majestic Cathedral Church, awe-inspiring Ossuary, and serene Church of the Archangels. The artistic treasures of Bachkovo Monastery are equally impressive, featuring frescoes, murals, and an intricate Iconostasis.

We also have a few tips for visiting this holy site, including transportation options, opening hours, and admission fees.

History of Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Mother of God Petritzonitissa, was initially a small church but blossomed into a significant religious complex and cultural center.

Over the years, it played a crucial role as a center for culture and education in the Bulgarian Empire. It was patronized by Tsar Ivan Alexander during the Second Bulgarian Empire, as evidenced by an image of him in the ossuary’s narthex arches.

Although the monastery survived the first waves of Turkish invasion in Bulgarian lands, it was later looted and partially destroyed. It was first restored near the end of the 15th century and, then facing destruction, it underwent significant restoration in the 19th century.

Today, it remains a pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians and a popular tourist destination.

Founding of the Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery was founded by Prince Gregory Pakourianos (Grigorii Bakuriani) in 1083 as a Georgian-dominated Orthodox monastery. Pakourianos, a Byzantine politician and military commander, was also the author of the monastery’s typikon.

Medieval Significance

During the Middle Ages, Bachkovo Monastery housed a renowned scriptorium that produced medieval manuscripts. As a result, the monastery played a crucial role in preserving Bulgarian culture and religion.

Ottoman Rule of the Monastery

The Bachkovo Monastery endured centuries of Ottoman rule. The Ottoman Empire viewed the monastery as a revenue source, imposing high taxes. Despite the taxes and restrictions on construction, the monastery became a cultural center and played a crucial role in Bulgaria’s struggle for independence. Today, it stands as a testament to Bulgaria’s resilience and heritage.

Revival of the Monastery

In the 1800s, after destruction by the Ottomans, Bachkovo Monastery underwent restoration. During the Revival period, it thrived as a center for Bulgarian culture and education, offering refuge for revolutionaries and intellectuals in the struggle for independence.

Architecture of Bachkovo Monastery

The Bachkovo Monastery’s architecture is a blend of Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Ottoman influences.

The Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary

The Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary was built in 1604 on the site of an older church, which the Turks had destroyed. The building has remained in its original structure as a three-aisled, cruciform domed basilica with three pentagonal apses. A silver-gilded cross engraved with the words “Always win!” in Georgian rises from the dome.

The church is home to a valuable icon of the Virgin Mary Eleusa from 1310 that was brought from Georgia. According to legend, the icon is wonder-working and attracts many pilgrims.

The murals in the spacious narthex were painted in 1643 and feature life-size portraits of Georgi and his son Constantine, who were high-ranking notables in Istanbul and donors to the church. The frescoes in the nave were painted much later, in 1850, by Joan Mosch (Master Mosko).

The two central icons in the iconostasis are precisely dated to 1793 and depict The Holy Virgin and Jesus Christ. The woodwork, including the iconostasis, bishop’s throne, and other items, dates back to the 18th century.

The Ossuary

The ossuary is the only part of the monastery’s original structure that remains intact. It is located 300 meters away from the modern monastery complex.

The design of the ossuary is similar to the mortuaries found in Syria and Palestine – making it very different from local traditions. It has two floors of similar design consisting of a narthex, a single nave, and an apse. The ground floor serves as a crypt and contains 14 burial niches. It appears the original purpose of the ossuary was to house fourteen specific corpses under the floor pavement.

The exterior features eight niches and a mix of brick and stone layers held together with mortar.

The Church of the Archangels

The Church of the Archangels probably dates back to the 12th century. Its architecture is a blend of Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Georgian styles.

The vaulted open narthex of the church was painted by Zahari Zograf in 1841, and the inside was painted by Joan Mosch in 1846. The Church of the Archangels stands as a testament to history and faith.

 

Restoration Projects

Bachkovo Monastery has undergone extensive restoration projects to preserve its rich cultural heritage in recent years. The monastery’s architectural style has been meticulously maintained. There has been a specific focus on protecting the church and frescoes.

Additionally, the recent restoration of the monastery’s bell tower has significantly enhanced its visual appeal, attracting numerous visitors who appreciate its historical and cultural significance.

The Treasures of Bachkovo Monastery

Located in the southern wing, the Bachkovo Monastery has ancient frescoes that date back centuries, telling fascinating stories of its rich artistic legacy. The iconostasis, a blend of religion and art, is a remarkable feature that showcases the monastery’s cultural and artistic heritage.

Visitors are captivated by the monastery’s artistry, which is beautifully displayed through these works of art, making it a cultural gem that is truly worth seeing.

Museum

The museum located in the monastery boasts an extensive collection of church artifacts, including icons, books, and the sword of Friedrich Barbarossa. Additionally, there is a sultan’s firman dating back to 1452 and a wood-carved cross featuring miniatures.

The “Panorama” Mural

The “Panorama” mural is located on the refectory’s outer wall and depicts the Bachkovo Monastery’s history through a bird’s eye view. Despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, fog, cold, and wind, the mural has managed to retain the freshness of its paint. The painter Alexi Atanasov, who hails from the Bulgarian town of Negush, worked in the region in the 19th century.

To create the “Panorama” mural, Atanasov used a copper print made in Vienna in 1807 with financial assistance from the merchant Petar Rana from Samokov. Atanasov added his own valuable details and pictorial elements.

The mural provides rich information about the architectural ensemble of the monastery in the 19th century. It is remarkable due to its size, artistic impact, and craftsmanship.

Atanasov created the paint using a recipe of grasses mixed with egg emulsion. The painting technique used to create the mural, “fresco buono,” is a mural art of painting that is applied on a smooth, moist plaster. As the water evaporates, the images are revealed on the surface. The result of this technique, combined with Atanasov’s artistic mastery, gives the mural’s colors a vibrant freshness even today.

Iconostasis

The iconostasis at the monastery seamlessly is a cultural treasure combining religion and art. This exquisite testament to artistry and spirituality reflects the monastery’s rich heritage through intricate artwork.

Exploring the iconostasis offers insights into the fusion of art and religious symbolism, captivating visitors with its cultural richness.

The Jujube Tree

The ancient and mystical Jujube Tree, brought from Georgia more than two centuries ago, stretches over the courtyard. The tree is steeped in legend and holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. This historic tree adds an air of mystique to the monastery’s ambiance and captivates the imagination of its visitors.

A famous jujube brandy (djindjifilova rakia) is distilled in the monastery.

The Natural Beauty Surrounding Bachkovo Monastery

The Bachkovo Monastery is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with lush greenery that creates an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The serene valley and surrounding hills provide a scenic backdrop for the awe-inspiring monastery.

The Landscape and Flora around the Monastery

The area around Bachkovo Monastery is full of diverse and beautiful plants, making for a truly breathtaking sight. The colorful flowers and native vegetation create an enchanting atmosphere. This botanical wonderland highlights the region’s abundant biodiversity and provides a refreshing and rejuvenating environment for visitors to enjoy.

Hotels near Bachkovo Monastery

While most people stay in Plovdiv and take a day trip to Bachkovo Monastery, there are rooms available in Asenovgrad. The castle marker on the map below is Bachkovo Monastery. You can change the dates, set your preferences, and zoom in and out to explore the area hotels.

How to Reach Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery is located on the right bank of the Chepelare River, just 28 km (17 miles) from Plovdiv and 177 km (110 miles) from Sofia. The monastery is easily accessible by several transportation options.

Private Tour To Bachkovo Monastery

We booked a private tour of Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress. The guide provided valuable information, and the price was very reasonable. Here are some great options for a private tour! In addition to the options below, we have used GetTranfer to book private transfers and recommend it as well.

By Car or Taxi

The drive to Bachkovo Monastery is around 45 mins from Plovdiv and about 2hr 30 mins from Sofia.

By Bus

Emilya 98 operates bus services between Rodopi station in Plovdiv and Rudozem with a stop in Bachkovo. The travel time between Plovdiv and Bachkovo is about 45 minutes and costs 5 BGN. Currently, the bus runs two times per day, however, the departure times are not very convenient for a visit to the monastery. Check here for current schedules and to buy tickets.

By Train

The nearest train station to Bachkovo Monastery is Plovdiv Central Railway Station. From there, you will need to take a car or bus to the monastery.

Although the train is not an option for those already in Plovdiv, it could be a good option for people staying elsewhere in Bulgaria. For example, the train from Sofia to Plovdiv is 2 hours and 32 minutes. Train schedules and tickets are available here.

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

Hours

Bachkovo Monastery is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm in the summer and from 7:00 am to 7:00 in the winter.

Fees

Visitors can enter the monastery grounds for free, but there is a charge for admission to the refectory, museum, and ossuary.

Tips for Visiting Bachkovo Monastery

When visiting Bachkovo Monastery, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to make the most of your experience.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with essential information about the town and monastery to make the most of your time there.

Check the Opening Hours

Be sure to check the visiting hours and plan your visit accordingly. The monastery has different opening and closing schedules during different times of the year, so it is best to arrive during these hours to fully experience its beauty.

Visit Early in the Day

You can visit early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy the monastery in peace.

Dress Modestly

It is important to dress modestly as this is a religious site. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees when entering the monastery grounds.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes to explore the town and monastery.

FAQs About Bachkovo Monastery

What is the history of the Bachkovo Monastery?

Bachkovo Monastery is one of the oldest and largest Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1083 by the Byzantine military commander, Grigorii Bakuriani. The monastery has a rich history and has played an important role in Bulgarian culture and spirituality over the centuries. It is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Church of the Virgin Mary, which houses many valuable icons and frescoes.

What is the oldest monastery in the world?

The oldest monastery in the world is believed to be the Monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt. It was established around 356 AD by Saint Anthony, who is considered the father of monasticism. The monastery has been continuously inhabited by monks since its founding and remains an important pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.

Where is the oldest monastery in Europe?

The oldest monastery in Europe is located in the Republic of San Marino, a small country nestled within Italy. The Monastery of Santa Chiara, also known as the Monastery of Saint Clare, was founded in 1313 and is home to a community of nuns. This charming monastery offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of Europe. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture, it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection with the continent’s past.