Troyan Monastery

The third largest in Bulgaria

Troyan Monastery (Troyanski Manastir, "Dormition of the Mother of God") is, after Rila and Bachkovo, the third largest in Bulgaria and one of the most revered in the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). It sits in the valley of the Cherni Osam river near the town of Troyan, tucked among forested hills. Tradition dates the first monastic settlement here to the late 16th century, while most of the present complex was built in the first half of the 19th century, during the Bulgarian National Revival.

What to see

The central church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, is famous for the frescoes of Zahari Zograf, the leading Bulgarian painter of the Revival era, created in the 1840s. The portico and walls carry vivid biblical scenes, portraits of saints and — in the spirit of the age — even the artist's self-portrait. The monastery's spiritual treasure is the miracle-working icon of the Three-Handed Holy Mother of God (Troeruchica), regarded as its protector. The typical Balkan architecture — wooden galleries, an inner courtyard, tiered cells — completes the picture.

Practical

The monastery is an active place of worship; it is easily reached by car from Troyan, on the road towards the Beklemeto pass. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and to respect services and the monks' quiet. Late spring through autumn is the most pleasant time, when the valley is green; the surrounding Stara Planina offers mountain trails, highland villages and the renowned Troyan ceramics workshops.