Aladzha Monastery is a national monument historic and the most famous medieval cave monastery on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It was inhabited by hermit monks during the XIII- XIV centuries. A nice and impressive discovery not to miss while a trip in the Black Sea.
Located at only 15km to Varna, Aladzha Monastery («colorful » in Persian-Arabic) in is on these beautiful places to visit absolutely. A legend told that Christ the Saviour was the patron saint of the Monastery. In summer, prefer to visit on the morning to enjoy the freshness of the place and the few tourists, giving you the impression of discovering a treasure. Aladzha Monastery offers unusual architectural forms being part of a comprehensive religious rock complex in northeastern Bulgaria, associated with the prevalent during 13th – 14th century doctrine of the « Divine Tabor Light » – Hesychasm. There is no information about the time it was created. The premises of the Monastery are carved and arranged on 2 levels in a limestone rock that is almost 40 m high : the Monastery temple, the monastic cells, a refectory and a kitchen, the cemetery church, a crypt and the entrance on first Level, a monastery chapel on the second level and a wooden staircase between. In some parts are exposed the original murals representing scenes of life.
©Madamebulgaria, Aladzha Monastery Level 1
The Christian name of the Monastery is not known. It was abandoned at the end of the 15th or early 16th century. In the late 19th, the founders of Bulgarian archeology, the brothers Karel and Hermin Shkorpil, were the first to initiate the systematic research of Aladzha Monastery.
©Google, Karel and Hermin Shkorpil
The monument was declared a national historic monument in 1912 and a monument of architecture of national importance from Antiquity and Middle Ages in 1968. Many legends about hidden treasures and ghosts of monks, wandering among the ruins, make the monastery a very well mysterious and mystical preserved place. The tranquility is respected. Near the Monastery, a Museum proposes a permanent exposition related to the past of the cloister, houses and expositions dedicated to Bulgarian Christian culture. The best way to optimist the visit of the Monastery is to start with the visit of the museum and continue with the visit of the Monastery, An audio-visual show « Legends from Aladzha Monastery » offers the opportunity to observe the nighttime performance.
More : Golden Sands Reserve, 9007 Varna, Bulgaria / Entrance : 5 levas (Children : 2 levas) / Opening period : May-Oct, everyday, 9:00am-10:00pm; Nov-April, Tue-Sat, 9:00am-4:00pm / info@aladjaperformance.com / +359 52 355460 / There is no accommodation available in Aladzha Monastery.
