Gorni Voden Monastery "Sveti Sveta Kirik i Yulita"

Gorni Voden Monastery "Sts. Kirik and Yulita" stands in the Gorni Voden quarter of Asenovgrad, at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, in an area rich in Orthodox sites and overlooked by the nearby Asen's Fortress. It is dedicated to the holy martyrs Kirik and Yulita — a mother and her young son, commemorated on 15 July — and forms part of the cluster of monasteries and hermitages around Asenovgrad, a town known precisely for its many churches.

What to see and how to get there

The foundation is a secluded, quiet place surrounded by the greenery of the Rhodope hills, with a church and monastic buildings in the local tradition. It makes a fitting stop for those exploring the surroundings of Asenovgrad and Plovdiv, away from the crowds at the major sights. It is reached by car on the road climbing from Asenovgrad up to Gorni Voden. As an active place of worship, modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) and quiet during services are expected. The feast day, 15 July, is the best time to see the community gathered. Nearby, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery — one of Bulgaria's most important — are well worth a visit.

Note: details of this foundation's history and artistic heritage should be verified on site.