Cherepish Monastery

Cherepish Monastery, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God, is one of the most picturesque monasteries in Bulgaria, set in the spectacular Iskar Gorge in the north-west of the country (Vratsa region), among high cliffs mirrored in the river. Tradition places its founding in the medieval Bulgarian period, with repeated rebuildings under Ottoman rule; like many houses in this area, it was a refuge of Bulgarian faith and culture through the hard centuries. The exact founding dates need verification and we treat them with care.

What to see The church preserves wall paintings and icons in the Orthodox tradition, and the charm of the complex lies in the union of monastic architecture with the dramatic gorge landscape. The buildings with their wooden galleries, the quiet courtyard and the sheer cliffs around create one of the most memorable monastic images in Bulgaria. The monastery has long been linked to the spiritual and educational life of the region.

Practical It is easily reached by car or by train on the line running through the Iskar Gorge — one of Bulgaria's most beautiful railway routes — with Cherepish station close by. It is an active place of worship: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), keep quiet and respect the services. The best seasons are spring and autumn, when the gorge is in full colour. Around it you will find hiking trails, cliffs and villages of the Iskar valley, so the monastery fits perfectly into a day trip from Sofia.