Lyaskovets Monastery "Sv. Sv. Peter and Paul"

Lyaskovets Monastery "Sts Peter and Paul"

Perched on a rocky ridge above the town of Lyaskovets, close to the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo, this is among the oldest monasteries in the area. Its origins reach back to the Second Bulgarian Empire, and over the centuries it was destroyed and rebuilt more than once. During the Bulgarian National Revival it became an important centre of faith and learning — it housed the first Bulgarian theological seminary after the Liberation, which gives it a special place in the country's cultural history.

What to see

The setting offers one of the finest views in the region — from the monastery terrace a wide panorama opens over the plain and hills around Veliko Tarnovo. The quiet courtyard, the church and the Revival-era monastic buildings hold icons and a contemplative atmosphere. The place is valued by pilgrims and by visitors drawn to the landscape alike.

Practical

It is reached by car on the road climbing up from Lyaskovets; the monastery lies a short distance from Veliko Tarnovo and makes an easy half-day outing. It is an active place of worship — dress modestly and respect services and the calm of the grounds. Spring and autumn are loveliest, when the light brings out the panorama. Combine your visit with Veliko Tarnovo (the Tsarevets fortress), the museum-village of Arbanasi and the other monasteries nearby. Visitor ratings are very high (around 4.7 out of 5).