Seven Thrones Monastery

The Monastery of the Seven Thrones (Sedemte Prestola) is one of the most unusual monasteries in Bulgaria, tucked into a forested valley of the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains), not far from the village of Eleshnitsa and the town of Svoge. Its name comes from the feature that makes it unique in the whole country: the church has not one altar but seven, arranged around the nave. The monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, and tradition traces its origins to the medieval Bulgarian period, with rebuildings during Ottoman times and later — the exact founding dates need verification, so we treat them with care.

What to see The central draw is the church plan itself: seven chapels, each with its own altar and dedication, gathered under one roof — a rare architectural solution that gave the place its name. The interior preserves wall paintings and icons in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition. The complex, with its stone walls and quiet courtyard, blends naturally into the surrounding woodland, and the natural setting of streams, rocks and forested ridges is as much part of the visit as the church.

Practical The monastery is reached most easily by car, on the road climbing from the Iskar river valley and the Svoge area towards Eleshnitsa; the last kilometres run through forest. It is an active place of worship: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), keep quiet and avoid photographing during services. The finest seasons are late spring and autumn, when the forest changes colour. Nearby lies the Iskar Gorge, with hiking trails and picturesque villages, making the monastery a natural stop on a day tour through the Stara Planina.