Monastery of Glozhene

Glozhene monastery is located near Glozhene village, Teteven municipality, region of Lovech

One of the most interesting and picturesque monasteries is Glozhene Monastery St. George the Victorious. It is located on the eastern slope of the mountain ridge Lisets under Kamen Lisets peak in Balkan mountain. It is about 60 km from the district city of Lovech, 15 km from Teteven and 15 km from the town of Yablanitsa. Main road Sofia-Varna is located about 10 km from the monastery, the capital Sofia is located about 110 km.

Due to its location 870 meters above sea level, the monastery reveals an incredible view of the Balkan mountain, and the entire region. On a clear day can be seen even Danube and the Aegean sea. The monastery is the only one who has never been burned during the Ottoman rule because of its  inaccessibility.

History: 

According to legend, it was founded in the XIII century by the Kiev prince Glozh during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.  Many prominent revolutionaries as Stefan Karadja Angel, Nikola Obretenov were hiding in the monastery During the years of Ottoman rule. Тhe Apostle of Freedom - Vasil Levski was hiding in the cloister as well, whose hideout is still kept. Near the monastery in the village of Golyam izvor where was created the first revolutionary committee.
Besides Levski, the monastery is connected with Vasil Drumev too - pointed Bulgarian bookman, who was condemned to perpetual exile here. Today, his cell was restored and converted into a small museum.
The monastery hosts a copy of the famous miraculous icon of St. George, which was brought by Prince of Kiev-Glozh Pechorskata Lavra - it is now stored in Lovech bishopric.
Glozhene monastery today is an active monastery, reported as a monument of culture.

Opportunities for recreation: 

The monastery offers accommodation - the capacity is about 20 beds and the monastery kitchen, adapted today as a restaurant, has a varied menu.
There are several small family hotels and guest houses that offer excellent conditions for recreation located in the village of Glozhene.

Transport: 

The monastery can be reached in the following ways: by car or bus to village of Glozhene and walk for about an hour along a steep and picturesque trail. Another option is to reach by car, from main road Sofia-Varna passes through the town of Yablanica, and then turn aside to the village of Malak Izvor, which is about 5 km from the monastery. From there continue along a narrow, but nice and very good road to the monastery. There are two parking lots located in front of the monastery.

Sources: pravoslavieto.com, bulgariamonasteries.com and glojenebg.com
Photos: glojenebg.com