Trasficuration Monastery "St. Transfiguration"

Transfiguration Monastery is one of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian architecture. He is the fourth largest monastery in Bulgaria. 

The monastery is situated at the foot of Belyakovski rocks, in Derventski gorge of the Yantra River, near the village Samovodene, 8 km north of Veliko Tarnovo, 12 km west of Gorna Oryahovitsa and about 15 km south-west of Dolna Oryahovitsa and about 10 km north-west of Arbanasi. 

It was founded in XIV century, with the support of Tsar Ivan Alexander. When Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule, the monastery was burned. It was rebuilt completely in 1882, featuring two giants of the Bulgarian National Revival - Kolyo Ficheto and Zachary Zograf. Mural composition "Doomsday", occupying the entire east wall of the porch of the church is considered one of the masterpieces of art iconpaintings revival. The frescoes of the Assumption, the Nativity of Mary "and" Last Supper "are also unique and unique mural works. 

Transfiguration monastery played an important role in the fight of Bulgarian people for church and national independence. She was a cultural and educational center and refuge for many patriotic Bulgarians and revolutionaries, but during the years of Russo-Turkish War was turned into a hospital. 

Today the monastery has a library and museum, which keep the relics of the monastery: papers, historical documents, valuable books and medieval Bulgarian icons and other works of applied art. 

Transfiguration Monastery is permanent. In the monastery there is no possibility of accommodation, but in the ancient capital Turnovo offer excellent lodging and recreation. 

Transport: 

Exit to the Transfiguration Monastery is about 10 km from Veliko Turnovo in Ruse direction. There is a path from the village Samovodene which also reached the monastery for about 40 minutes 

Sources: visit.bg, veliko-tarnovo.net, bulgariamonasteries.com, velikoturnovo.info, pravoslavieto.com 
Photos: Internet, velikoturnovo.info