Bachkovo Monastery, Bachkovo

Bachkovo Monastery is home to a silver-encased icon of the Virgin allegedly painted by St. Luke. Learn about the monastery's history from the frescoes in the former refectory, and view a marble table from 1601 in the dining room. Two churches in the monastery's courtyard feature 19th-century wall paintings by the prominent Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf. Enter the chapel to see a depiction of the Last Judgment; seek out the agitated Turks on the right and Zograf's self-portrait in the left corner. Other highlights include the 17th-century iconostasis, church plates, covers of manuscripts, and other pieces of applied art. The ossuary, a two-story stone tomb, is the only building preserved from the original monastery. Plan your Bachkovo Monastery visit and explore what else you can see and do in Bachkovo using our Bachkovo travel planner.