From Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour

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From Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour

Name: From Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery & Asen’s Fortress Tour
Address: Bulgaria

19 Reviews

Guided tours Activities Tours Culture & history Sightseeing on wheels Churches & cathedrals Small group activities Architecture Sightseeing Religious & spiritual activities Rainy-day activities

Enjoy this 3-hour tour from Plovdiv to visit the 2 most impressive landmarks in the area: King Ivan Asen’s 13th-century fortress and church and the impressive 11th-century monastery complex Bachkovo.

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Highlights

See stunning medieval icons, frescoes, and murals at the Bachkovo Monastery
Discover the largest mural of the Balkan Peninsula
Enjoy panoramic views of the Rhodope Mountains from Asen's Fortress
Admire the paintings of the 17th-century Mary's Assumption Church

Description

Drive to the dramatic Rhodope Mountains for this half-day tour from Plovdiv, passing the pretty town of Asenovgrad to see the remarkable fortress remains of King Ivan Asen, a wise ruler of the 2nd Bulgarian Kingdom. Visit the 13th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God to admire the historic iconography and ferscoes. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain scenery, and learn why the fortress gained importance in the Middle Ages, and how it was conquered by the armies of the Third Crusade. Next, head to picturesque Bachkovo Monastery deeper in the mountains. Founded in 1083, and one of the most sacred places in Bulgarian history, the monastery’s main church contains a valuable icon of the Virgin Mary from 11-th century that, according to legend, can work miracles. Admire the exterior of the 12th-century bysantine style Church of the Archangels. Admire the stunning mural on the outside wall of the refectory, representing a bird’s eye view of the monastery and the surrounding buildings. This is the largest panoramic mural of Bulgaria, painted in the middle of the 19-th sentury. The monastery complex tour ends at the Church of Saint Nikola, built between 1834 and 1837. There enjoy the impressive Doomsday frescoe in the narthex of the church.