Chiprovski monastery "St Ivan Rilski"

Chiprovski monastery "St Ivan Rilski" is situated in Northwest Bulgaria. It is situated 7 km northeast of the town of Chirprovtsi and 29 km west of the regional center the town of Montana. The near villages Zhelyazna and Belimel are respectively 4 km southwest and 6 km northwest. 

History

Chiprovski monastery "St Ivan Rilski" it was founded in the beginning of the X. century and it is one of the thirty monasteries from the First Bulgarian Kingdom and approved in the country the mission of Kiril and Metodi brothers. Nine centuries after that it has been important book and educational center and keeps existing after the battles with after a Magyar invasion in the XIII century, fell under Ottoman rule in XIV. century invasions of Michael the Brave in the XV. century served as a main sanctuary and a strong point in the revolt of Constantine and Fruzhin (XV. century) and of the Chiprovtsi (XVII. century). The monastery was repeatedly looted and partially destroyed six times during the XIX. century, then reconstructed with the support of wealthy Bulgarians.
A curious fact in the history of the monastery is that in 1800 Russian emperor sent Gospel to the cloister.

Architecture

The monastery is working year round and consists of church, two chapels, three-storey tower with belfry, residential and industrial building. For the sloppy terrain from the outside the monastery looks as monument and from the inside it looks like that was dug in the ground. The monastery has a rectangular courtyard, the western and southern sides are occupied by buildings, and east and north are surrounded by stone walls.

In the middle of the yard there is there is the monastery church "St Ivan Rilski" that dates back to the end of the XVIII century and was renewed in 1829. It is long one open space building that is semioval from the inside and with six walls on the outside. The nave is with four archs that are carried by pilasters. During the reconstruction in the end of the XVII century the original frescoes are covered with lime but under this white coating could be seen geometrical forms and floral ornaments.  is carved and decorated with painting and gilding, and the icons on it are the work of Christo Enchev Koprivshtitsa painter. The church is low and is with stones and covered with plates. There is one dome. The inner north wall is with stone decorations and two arches window with painting of cross and rose.

Interesting is the building of the Chiprovski monastery and it is with three storey tower. In its basement are preserved the bones of the monks and the fallen during the Chiprovsko rebel. Monument plate on the entrance of the ossuary shows the names of Petar Parchevich, Georgi Payachevich, Mancho Punin from the village of Bistralitsa, Varban Penev from Belimel village, Panayot Hitov and Filip Totyo.
On the second floor of the tower where you can get through well built outer stone stairs as there is small chapel - St Anastasii, In it there is decoration of frescoes. From the last floor where is the belfry there is beautiful view to the yard of the monastery and the surrounding hills.

Transportation

The road to the monastery is easy accessible by car - you should follow the road from the town of Montana to the town of Chirprovtsi along the flow of Ogosta river. There is turnout between the villages Belimel and Zhelezna. The nearest railway station is to the town of Montana.

accommodation

In the monastery accommodation and food are not offered. The tourist can use the convenient guest houses and small bars in the town of Chiprovtsi.

Sources: http://www.bulgarianmonastery.com , http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com
Photos: Internet