The rock monastery "Hl. Archangel Michael "is located 22 km from Russe, near the village Ivanovo, in the catchment area of the nature park" Russensky Lom ". A signposted asphalt road leads to the complex and car parking spaces are located at the foot of the rocks. The staircase system built into the rock walls gives visitors access to the various churches and chapels in the surrounding area.
The monastery was founded in the 20s of the 13th century by the monk Yoakim, who later became a Bulgarian patriarch. The Bulgarian kings Yoan Asen II (1218-1241), Yoan Alexander (1331-1371) and other representatives of the royal court were among the patrons of the monastery and their donor portraits are still preserved.
The monastery combines several areas of rocky spaces. In six of the churches frescoes are conserved, which show features of the Bulgarian religious art of the 13th - 14th century. During the Second Bulgarian Empire (12th-14th c.), The monastery proved to be a great spiritual and literary center. Inscriptions on the walls of the cells provide information about important historical events.
The frescoes in the church "Sveta Bogoroditsa" are world famous. They are among the most representative representatives of paleological art in the Balkans. Their exceptional artistic quality is the reason for their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the 14th century, the monastery became the center of Hesychasm - a mystical movement in Orthodox Christianity. The rock formation Ivanovo existed during the first centuries of Ottoman rule, but gradually disintegrated.
In 1978 it was declared a National Archaeological Reserve. Today the monastery is out of order.
Ivanovo Rock Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Short recommended detour (from the main road down into the valley) on a quiet paved road to visit. The approx. 4 km down and up again is easy to handle. Highly recommended visit.
Attention, I did an extra tour in the jungle, don't copy it! Get off in the parking lot, there is also a drinks kiosk there, and walk up the steps to the church.
Translated by Google •
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