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Bachkovo Monastery

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Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)

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Bachkovo Monastery was founded in 1083 by Gregory Pakourianos, a Byzantine military commander of Georgian origin. It is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, situated in the scenic Rhodope Mountains along the banks of the Chepelarska River. The monastery complex uniquely blends Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian architectural traditions. Its ossuary is of particular significance, housing rare 12th-century frescoes that are among the most valuable examples of Orthodox art. The main church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was rebuilt in 1604 and contains a miraculous icon of the Mother of God, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually. For centuries, the monastery served as a center for education and the preservation of Bulgarian culture during Ottoman rule. Today, it remains an active religious center and a major monument of the Bulgarian National Revival, part of the UNESCO tentative list.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1371117212424191382
Rain mm604856476771563550564965

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Bachkovo Monastery is one of the most significant Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria. It can be visited daily, with the church and museum open.
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Typical hours
The monastery is usually open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Services are held in the morning and evening, with the church open to visitors.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the monastery grounds, but often not inside the church. Ask permission for indoor shots of the museum.
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Time needed
A visit takes about one to two hours. Allow time for the frescoes in the main church and the monastery museum.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Asen's Fortress or the town of Asenovgrad. Both are only a few kilometers away.
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Getting there
The monastery is about 10 km south of Asenovgrad in the Rhodope Mountains. It is accessible by car on a well-maintained road.
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Insider tip
Visit the monastery on a weekday to avoid crowds. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is expected.

Geography

Coordinates
41.94270, 24.85170

Facts

  • Founded in 1083 by Gregory Pakourianos
  • Second largest monastery in Bulgaria
  • Contains an ossuary with 12th-century frescoes
  • Main church dedicated to the Virgin Mary built in 1604
  • Houses a miraculous icon dated to 1311
  • On the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BachkovoBachkovo<1 km · WExplore →
Asen's FortressAsen's Fortress5 km · NExplore →
AsenovgradAsenovgrad6 km · NExplore →
Rhodope FoothillsRhodope Foothills8 km · NWExplore →
Krumovo MonumentKrumovo Monument21 km · NExplore →
PlovdivPlovdiv23 km · NExplore →
Maritsa WetlandsMaritsa Wetlands25 km · NExplore →
Church of the Holy ApostlesChurch of the Holy Apostles25 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bachkovo Monastery (2)

Bachkovo Monastery

Stavropigal monastery in Bulgaria.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-20:00💶

Ossuary

Bone chapel at Bachkovo Monastery.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How far is Bachkovo Monastery from Plovdiv?
It is located about 30 km south of Plovdiv in the Rhodope Mountains.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered; wraps are often available at the entrance.
What is the monastery known for?
For its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and its impressive wall paintings.
What can you buy at the stalls in front of the monastery?
Local honey, herbs, traditional ceramics, and Bulgarian handicrafts.
Is the monastery open all year round?
Yes, it is an active monastery and open daily to visitors.
Bachkovo Monastery: where is it located?
Bachkovo Monastery is located in Bulgaria.
Bachkovo Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bachkovo Monastery, Ossuary.
Bachkovo Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Bachkovo Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Bachkovo Monastery was founded in 1083 by Gregory Pakourianos, a Byzantine military commander of Georgian origin.
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Nearby cities

Banya (Stara Zagora) — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Banya (Stara Zagora)
Banya near Stara Zagora is a rural settlement in the Thracian Plain.
Veliko Tarnovo Cultural Quarter — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Veliko Tarnovo Cultural Quarter
The historical center of Veliko Tarnovo displays the architecture and history of the national revival.
Batenberg (Pazardzhik 2) — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Batenberg (Pazardzhik 2)
Another small settlement Batenberg near Pazardzhik.
Batenberg (Pazardzhik) — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Batenberg (Pazardzhik)
Batenberg is a small town near Pazardzhik, embedded in the agriculturally used Thracian Plain.
Asenovgrad — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Asenovgrad
Asenovgrad is located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, south of Plovdiv.
Gabrovo — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Gabrovo
Gabrovo is located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains and is a traditional center of the textile industry.
Kardzhali — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Kardzhali
Kardzhali is located in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains in southern Bulgaria.
Yabulkovo — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Yabulkovo
Yabulkovo is a settlement in southern Bulgaria.
Smolyan — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Smolyan
Smolyan is the highest regional administrative center in Bulgaria.
Karlovo — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Karlovo
Nestled in the famous Rose Valley at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, Karlovo is the birthplace of Bulgarian national hero Vasil Levski.
Sandanski — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Sandanski
Bulgaria's sunniest city, renowned for its healing Mediterranean climate and ancient Roman ruins.
Batenberg (Lovech 2) — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Batenberg (Lovech 2)
Another small settlement Batenberg near Lovech.
Lovech — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Lovech
Lovech is located in the Pre-Balkan mountains on both banks of the Osam River.
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Batenberg (Lovech)
Batenberg near Lovech is situated in the hilly landscape of the Pre-Balkan mountains.
Banya (Lovech 2) — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Banya (Lovech 2)
Banya near Lovech is a small settlement.

History & landmarks

Sopot — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Sopot
Sopot is nestled at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, famous as the birthplace of Ivan Vazov and Bulgaria's premier paragliding hub.
Troyan — Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgaria)
Troyan
Famous for the third-largest monastery in Bulgaria and its centuries-old tradition of handmade ceramics.