Monastery "Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon"

Monastery of "St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr"

Set amid the Rhodope Mountains — a land of broad forests, clearings and mountain villages — stands the monastery dedicated to St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr, the unmercenary healer and one of the most beloved saints of Orthodoxy, patron of the sick and of physicians. The monastery offers that pause of quiet and reflection sought by pilgrims and walkers in the Rhodopes, far from the bustle of the coast and the cities.

What to see

The monastery church preserves the icon of St. Panteleimon and the warm, intimate atmosphere of mountain sanctuaries. The natural setting — coniferous forests, clean air and stillness — is as much a part of the visit as the church itself. Precise details about the foundation, architecture and murals are best confirmed on site, from the monastery's leaflets or its residents, to avoid passing on approximate information.

Practical

The monastery is most comfortably reached by car, along the mountain roads of the Rhodopes; check opening hours before visiting, as small mountain monasteries can keep limited times. It is a place of worship: dress modestly, keep quiet, and respect services. The most pleasant season runs from spring through autumn, when the mountain roads are open and Rhodope nature is at its finest. It fits naturally into a route through the villages and mountain resorts of the Chepelare area. Rated 4.8 by visitors.