H I S T O R Y,     C U L T U R E,     T R A D I T I O N S

ulgaria adopted the Christianity in 865. Prince Boris (852-889) who considered monachism useful for purely State interests, built solid monasteries and churches inspiring respect and a sence of security, first in the capital city of  Pliska and near it. The second Christian ruler, the youngest son of Boris, Tsar Simeon (893-927), erected the new capital of Preslav, and founded monasteries in re- mote and quiet places creating conditions for educational and lite- rary work of  writers and theologians.

Monasteries     Rila monastery     Bachkovo monastery     Troyan monastery     Rojen monastery     Aladja monastery     Glojenski monastery     Cherepish monastery Treasures Thracian tombs World's oldest gold The Madara horseman Old Bulgarian Capitals Museum towns Old fortresses

he monasteries were to hammer out the foundations of the future culture
and spiritual community. The new Slavonic - Bulgarian literature alone could become its
strongest alloy. Round about 886, Prince Boris I accommodated the disciples of Cyril and
Methodius, the creators of the Slavonic-Bulgarian letters, at St. Panteleimon's Monastery built
upon his orders near Preslav. Thus the first Old-Bulgarian School of literature, known as the Plis-
ka-Preslav School, was established. Its first objectives included preparations for the introduction
of the Slavonic-Bulgarian scrypt, copying of the major ecclesiastical books translated by Cyril and
Methodius, and the creation of the most needed original theological works in the "new language".
One of the disciples of Cyril and Methodius, Naoum, established here the new Old-Bulgarian
alphabet - the so called Cyrillic alphabet (the bases of present-day Bulgarian letters).

he 120 monasteries preserved to this day are a living chro- nicle of Bulgaria's cul- ture, creative spirit and national consciousness. They have always been and will be a part of people's thinking and mentality. follow the links on the map or read the essence below

The TROYAN Monastery "St. Holy Virgin"

National tourist object. Founded in 1600. The present monastery church was built in 1835. Mural paintings made by the famous Zahari Zograph and Dimiter Zograph. Remarkable wood-cravings in the church and the chapel "St. Nikola". Museum collection that keeps early printed books, scripts and icons. [ HISTORY AND ART ] [ THE MAP ]

The BACHKOVO Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno"

National tourist object. Founded in 1083 by the georgian Grigorii Bakuriani. Mural paintings made by Zahari Zograph. Remarkable church mural paintings, the icon "Holy Virgin", brought from Georgia in 1311, the charnel house - the only preserved building from XIth century. [ HISTORY AND ART ] [ THE MAP ]

The RILA Monastery

World Cultural Heritage (UNESCO object) National tourist object. Founded in 10th century by Ivan Rilski, the biggest Bulgarian revival, spiritual and cultural centre 16 000 volume library including 134 manuscripts from 15th to 19th century
Exclusive mural paintings, woodcarving and icons, gold weave materials and embroidery A multitude of gold and silver church plates, collections of coins, weapons and jewelry Unique carved cross of Monk Raphael worked over a period of about 12 years [ HISTORY AND ART ] [ THE MAP ]

The ROZHEN Monastery

Founded in 1220 by the despot Alexi Slav Today's building was raised in 1600 and renovated in 1732. Preserved mural paintings from 1597, 1611 and 1715. Remarkable woodcarvings [ HISTORY AND ART... ] [ THE MAP ]

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