|
 |
News
Ivanovo Rock Churches - Medieval Bulgaria Unveiled
by Sofia News Agency www.novinite.com, 19 Mar 2010
|
The village of Ivanovo is located about 22 km south-southwest of Ruse. This place, together with the nearby village of Cherven, has interesting stories to tell about Medieval Bulgaria.
The first boasts the Ivanovo Rock Churches' - a network of about 20 small rock churches and chapels, as well as over 300 individual cells, while Cherven defended the whole region from the Cherven Medieval Fortress. Both are high in the steep cliffs that mark the sides of the twisting Rousenski Lom canyon. The churches can only be reached after a breathtaking (literally) climb up numerous flocks of stairs.
The Ivanovo Rock Churches were inhabited by monks, amongst them many grammarians and painters, who, in the 12-14th century, built the temples, and decorated the walls and ceilings with frescoes. The most important, about twenty, different scenes tell of Creation, Exodus, the birth of Jesus, the Rise of Lazarus, the Crucifixion as well as the portraits of the Bulgarian kings, Ivan Assen II (1218-1241) and Ivan Alexander (1331-1371) and other families of the nobility who donated to the rock monasteries.
The main church of the Virgin Mary complex has been dug into the rock at a height of 38 meters so be prepared for quite a climb. Don't miss the chance to walk upwards and on till you reach the endpoint of the small peninsula that juts out into the winding canyon on whose other side you can see dozens of bigger caves that offered accommodation to the hundreds of pilgrims, monks and students.
The Ivanovo Rock Churches are one of the nine Bulgarian monuments included in the UNESCO list of world culture and historical heritage. They are well worth a visit, if you pick a nice sunny, not too windy day. It is also worth bearing in mind that access is restricted by your ability to climb a steep but well maintained path.
Now the fun part, how to get there. Surprisingly, for once I am recommending a place that is both breathtaking for its natural beauty and is also quite well sign posted. Simply head north out of Veliko Tarnovo and towards Ruse. At an approximate distance of 22 km from Ruse, you will see a beautiful sign on the right hand side of the road. Make the turn and follow the road, but drive cautiously. The other markers are not quite as prominent as the first.
It takes about 30 minutes to get to the Ivanovo Rock Churches, where upon you can unpack the egg mayonnaise sandwiches and thermos. One extra small, but interesting point: when you arrive, you are presented with a car park and immediately before you a misleading No Entry sign. Ignore this and carry on the road to a second car park located right at the foot of the complex and you will save a 20 minute walk.
|
|
« all news
|
|
|
 |
New Offers |
|
 |
Get your own piece of land in Bulgaria - LND04
Brief: Agricultural land for sale near Ruse
Area: 5000 sq.m.
Price: 1500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
The Green Dream - My Bulgarian Property RUS1585 - DISCOUNTED PRICE
Brief: Houses for sale near Veliko Tarnovo
Area: 70 sq.m.
Price: 9600 EUR
|
|
|
 |
The one that you want - My Bulgarian Property - LH02
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 120 sq.m.
Price: 24000 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Feels like Heaven My Bulgarian Property - More than 35 000 sq. feet of regulated land RUS5034
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 90 sq.m.
Price: 9800 EUR
|
|
|
 |
A top sea offer - Bulgarian Property near Cape Kaliakra - RUS196A
Brief: Land for sale near Balchik
Area: 4300 sq.m.
Price: 236500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
One Good Opportunity Bulgaria Property - RUS1560
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 70 sq.m.
Price: 19600 EUR
|
|
|
 |
The flower house My Bulgarian Property UN2103
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 70 sq.m.
Price: 11300 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Where the sea starts from your window - Bulgarian Property near Cape Kaliakra - RUS1960
Brief: Land for sale near Balchik
Area: 12900 sq.m.
Price: 580500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
The hills are calling! My Bulgarian Property UN1205
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 90 sq.m.
Price: 14500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
My new home - Bulgarian Property - RUS1171
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 100 sq.m.
Price: 37500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Get close to history and nature My Bulgarian Property RBP11
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 100 sq.m.
Price: 6500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Bulgarian Property - The hidden paradise RUS1509
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 80 sq.m.
Price: 9800 EUR
|
|
|
 |
The TRIUMPH of Bulgarian Black Sea Coast - 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom apartments and studios for sale near Sunny Beach
Brief: 2-bedroom apartments for sale in Sveti Vlas
Area: 60 sq.m.
Price: 1220 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Great offer for holiday-home seekers - VUS1203
Brief: Houses for sale near Varna
Area: 85 sq.m.
Price: 14500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
A house that will enchant you - RUS1400
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 90 sq.m.
Price: 10500 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Another apartment for sale in Ruse RUS1294
Brief: Large apartments for sale in Ruse
Area: 128 sq.m.
Price: 57000 EUR
|
|
|
 |
The happines smiles to you - RUS1253
Brief: Houses for sale near Ruse
Area: 80 sq.m.
Price: 6300 EUR
|
|
|
 |
Ruse top center property - Invest in Bulgaria - RUS1214
Brief: Houses for sale in Ruse
Area: 70 sq.m.
Price: 22000 EUR
|
|
All Bulgarian Properties >>
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| PROPERTY SERVICES |
|
|
|
 |
|
| MORE SERVICES |
|
|
|
