Osenovlashki monastery "Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno"

The Osenovlashki monastery "Sveta Bogoroditsa" is located in the gorge of Gabrovnitsa river at the foot of the peak Izmerets in Stara planina mountain. It is 7 km northwest of the village of Osenovlag, 48 km northwest of the town of Mezdra, 55 km south of the town of Vratsa and 56 km northeast of the capital Sofia.

The monastery was constructed most probably during XII-th - XIV-th c. in the times of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. According to the legend it was founded by seven Bulgarian boyars that also set up seven of the villages in the area - Osenovlag, Ogoya, Ogradishte, Bukovets, Leskov dol, Zhelen and Lakatnik.
The monastery was visited by Sofronii Vrachanski and also was one of the favorite places of Ivan Vazov. Here he wrote his famous poem "Klepaloto bie" - The clapper sounds.

The complex consists of church, belfry, garden and two residential buildings. The monastery is known as Sedemte prestola as in the church there are seven chapels with seven altars. The church is unique for Bulgaria, the holy place is part of the list of 100 Tourist Sites in Bulgaria.

The road to the monastery is asphalted and is accessible by car. There also is bus transportation from and to the capital, the nearest railway station is just 11 km away in the village of Elisayna.

Text: bulgariamonasteries.com, pravoslavieto.com
Photos: Mirela