Rozhen Monastery
Роженски манастир
The largest monastery in the Pirin region, founded in the Middle Ages, with 16th- to 18th-century frescoes, carved wood and stained glass that are well preserved.
Rozhen Monastery sits on a hillside about 6 km northeast of Melnik, surrounded by sandstone pyramids. It can be traced back to the 12th and 13th centuries, but the surviving buildings are mainly 18th-century reconstructions. It is one of the few Bulgarian monasteries that was not completely burned during Ottoman rule. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin contains 16th- to 18th-century frescoes, finely carved wooden iconostasis and rare stained-glass windows. The courtyard's wooden galleries and grapevines are atmospheric. Nearby is the tomb of Yane Sandanski, a Bulgarian revolutionary. Entry is free, and modest dress is expected.
Opening hours
about 07:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Melnik
- Kordopulov House
- Bolyar House (Byzantine House)
- Melnik Wine Museum
- Melnik Earth Pyramids
- Pasha's House (Melnik History Museum)
- Melnik Fortress (Despot Slav's Fortress)
- Rupite