Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo

from Katerina in Get to know Bulgaria! Visits 1971

Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are located within the Rusenski Lom Nature Park, near the town of Ruse, Bulgaria, near the village of Ivanovo. There are many small rock churches, chapels and cells in the area, which form the monastery wreath bearing the name "St. Archangel Michael ”. All of them are carved high in the rocks and can be reached by narrow paths and steps formed by the rocks.

Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are included in the List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage under the protection of UNESCO. They are located within the nature park "Rusenski Lom", near the town of Ruse, Bulgaria, near the village of Ivanovo. There are many small rock churches, chapels and cells in the area, which form the monastery wreath which are named "St. Archangel Michael ”.

The only passable and open to visitors is the rock monastery "St. The Mother of God ". It is located at a height of 38 meters and was founded in the 13th century by the monk Joachim. Inside, it is painted with very well-preserved biblical scenes and images, including "The Last Supper", "Entering Jerusalem", "The Passion of the Christ". The Bulgarian kings Ivan Asen II and Ivan Alexander were among the main donors of the monastery, and inside you can see their preserved portraits on the walls.

The rock monastery established itself as a major spiritual and literary center during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It also existed in the early centuries of Ottoman slavery in Bulgaria, but gradually declined as a spiritual center. In the 18th century it was again the object of worship by believers. Today it is no longer a functioning monastery.

Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are reached by an asphalt road with signposts. You will reach a large parking lot, which is located just below the rock of the monastery "St. The Mother of God ". From there there are two options to get to it - by steps or through a path. I recommend you take the path and go down the steps. This way you will be able to enjoy the views of the picturesque valley of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Tickets are paid at the entrance to the monastery.

Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are included in the List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage under the protection of UNESCO and are one of the 9 such sites in Bulgaria. Near them are The medieval town and fortress Cherven and the Orlova chuka cave - declared a natural landmark and archaeological monument of culture of national importance and the second largest cave in Bulgaria.