Kuklen Monastery “Sveti Sveti Kozma i Damyan”

Kuklen Monastery "Sts. Cosmas and Damian" lies near the small town of Kuklen, at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains in the Asenovgrad and Plovdiv area. It is dedicated to the Holy Unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian (Kozma and Damyan), healers venerated in Orthodoxy for curing the sick without payment. For this reason the monastery is known locally as a place of pilgrimage for those seeking comfort and health, with a living tradition of prayer for the ailing.

What to see and how to get there

The foundation is secluded, surrounded by the forests and hills of the Rhodopes, with a church and monastic buildings in the local tradition. Its quiet atmosphere suits those seeking reflection away from the main tourist routes. It is reached by car on a road climbing from Kuklen towards the mountain. As an active place of worship, modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) and quiet during services are expected. The feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian (1 November) draws the faithful from the surrounding area. A visit pairs naturally with Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and the famous Bachkovo Monastery.

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