Bachkovo monastery

Bachkovo Monastery is located on the bank of the Bulgarian river Chepelare. It has a unique organic interweaving of Georgian, Bulgarian and Byzantine cultures united by one common faith.

The monastery was founded in 1083 by the decision of Gregory Pakorianos. He was a well-known military leader and statesman of Byzantium. By his decision, a seminary for young people was subsequently established in the monastery.

The monastery was patronized by many rulers. This is reflected in its very structure. Thus, the image of the king of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom is present on its vaults and in the crypt of the porch. An unknown artist decorated with painting and the walls of the refectory. Its creation refers to the beginning of the seventeenth century.

Foreign invaders have repeatedly invaded the monastery. The Turks tried to plunder and destroy it. They almost succeeded. Only in the fifteenth century the monastery was restored. By the way, it was the last resting place of many priests.