Bachkovo Monastery
Бачковски манастир
Bulgaria's second-largest monastery, founded in 1083 and known for its medieval frescoes, its icon of the Virgin Mary and its ossuary.
Bachkovo Monastery lies in the Rhodope valley, about 30 km south of Plovdiv. It was founded in 1083 by the Byzantine generals Bakuriani brothers and is Bulgaria's second-largest monastery after Rila. The main church houses an icon of the Virgin Mary said to work miracles, and the refectory walls have 17th-century frescoes. The ossuary outside the church retains frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries. A small street outside the gate sells honey, jam and snacks. You can take a bus from Plovdiv South Station bound for Smolyan and get off nearby. It is often combined with a day trip to Asen's Fortress.
Opening hours
About 07:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Asen's Fortress
- Roman Forum & Odeon of Philippopolis
- Small Basilica of Philippopolis
- Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis
- Trakart Cultural Centre
- Plovdiv Main Street (Knyaz Alexander I)
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Sahat Tepe (Clock Tower Hill)